Onfi (clobazam) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The drug comes as a tablet and a liquid suspension. It’s usually taken twice per day.
Onfi is used to treat seizures in adults and certain children with a type of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Onfi is available as a tablet and a liquid suspension (a type of liquid mixture). Both are swallowed.
The active ingredient in Onfi is clobazam.* Onfi belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.
This article describes the dosages of Onfi, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Onfi, see this in-depth article.
* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.
This section describes the forms, strengths, and usual dosages of Onfi.
The table below highlights the basics of Onfi’s dosage. Dosages are in milligrams (mg) and body weight is in kilograms (kg). One kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Schedule | Dosage for people who weigh 30 kg or less | Dosage for people who weigh more than 30 kg |
| Days 1 to 6 | 5 mg once daily | 5 mg twice daily |
| Days 7 to 13 | 5 mg twice daily | 10 mg twice daily |
| Day 14 and beyond | increase as needed, up to a maximum of 10 mg twice daily | increase as needed, up to a maximum of 20 mg twice daily |
What are the forms of Onfi?
Onfi comes as a tablet and a liquid suspension (a type of liquid mixture).
What strengths does Onfi come in?
Onfi tablets come in two strengths: 10 mg and 20 mg. The tablets are scored so that they can be cut in half if needed for your prescribed dose.
Onfi liquid suspension comes in a strength of 2.5 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) in a 120-mL bottle.
What are the usual dosages of Onfi?
Onfi has a dosing schedule for the first 2 weeks of treatment to help your body get used to the medication. After that, your doctor will continue to adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for seizures
Adults who are first starting Onfi treatment will usually begin with a dosage of 5 mg taken twice per day. On day 7, the dosage is increased to 10 mg taken twice per day. This is continued for another 6 days.
After this initial period, the dosage is increased as needed to find the right maintenance dosage that manages the seizures. With each dosage increase, that dosage is continued for at least 1 week before it’s increased again. The maximum dosage of Onfi in people who weigh more than 30 kg is 30 mg taken twice per day.
What’s the dosage of Onfi for children?
Onfi can be prescribed to children ages 2 years and older.
For children who weigh 30 kg or less, the starting dosage of Onfi is 5 mg taken once per day. On day 7, the dosage is increased to 5 mg taken twice per day. Then, starting on day 14, the dosage will be increased as needed to find the right maintenance dosage that manages your child’s seizures. With each increase in dosage, the child will take that dosage for at least 1 week. The maximum dosage is 10 mg taken twice per day.
For children who weigh more than 30 kg, the starting dosage of Onfi is 5 mg taken twice per day. On day 7, the dosage is increased to 10 mg taken twice per day. Then, starting on day 14, the dosage will be increased as needed to find the maintenance dosage that’s effective in managing your child’s seizures. With each increase in dosage, the child will take that dosage for at least 1 week. The maximum dosage for children who weigh more than 30 kg is 20 mg taken twice per day.
Is Onfi used long term?
Yes, Onfi is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
The dosage of Onfi may be started at a lower dosage and increased at a slower rate or to a lower maximum dosage if you:
- are age 65 years and older
- are known to breakdown certain medications slowly because of decreased activity of a liver enzyme* called CYP2C19
- have liver problems
* An enzyme is a type of protein.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Onfi’s dosage.
Can Onfi be used for anxiety? If so, what is the dosage?
In some cases, yes. Onfi is a benzodiazepine, and this group of drugs is often used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. But taking Onfi for anxiety would be an off-label use of the medication. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
Drug manufacturers only provide dosage instructions for approved uses. If you have questions about taking Onfi for anxiety, talk with your doctor.
Is Onfi approved for febrile seizures? If so, what is the dosage?
No, Onfi is not approved for febrile seizures. Onfi is a benzodiazepine like diazepam, a drug that’s used to prevent and treat recurrent febrile seizures. But taking Onfi to prevent recurrent febrile seizures would be an off-label use of the medication.
It’s unlikely Onfi would be used to treat an active febrile seizure. Onfi is only available as a tablet or liquid solution. Both forms are usually swallowed. When giving a drug to stop a febrile seizure, benzodiazepine gels that can be given rectally are generally safer.
If you have questions about taking Onfi for febrile seizures, talk with your doctor.
The dosage of Onfi you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- how well your seizures respond to the medication
- your body weight
- your age*
- other conditions you may have*
* See “Dosage adjustments” above to learn more.
Onfi comes as a tablet or a liquid suspension (a type of liquid mixture). Both are swallowed.
You can take Onfi with or without food.
Onfi tablets are scored, which means they can be cut in half for your prescribed dose.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, Onfi tablets can be crushed and mixed in applesauce. You can also speak with your doctor about changing your form to the liquid suspension. Lastly, you can see this article for more tips on how to take tablets.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Onfi, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Onfi in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
If you miss a dose of Onfi, you should take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose. You should not take two doses of Onfi at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
If you have questions about missing a dose and aren’t sure if you should take the missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Onfi on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Onfi is a controlled substance and is classified as a Schedule IV prescription drug. This means it has some risk of misuse and addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. And with addiction, a drug is used even though it may be causing harm. Onfi has a
Onfi is a benzodiazepine. The misuse of benzodiazepines, including Onfi, increases the risk of breathing problems, overdose, and even death. Misuse of Onfi is especially dangerous when taken with other medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
If you have questions about the risk of misuse and addiction, talk with your doctor. For some people with a history of addiction, a treatment other than Onfi may be recommended.
Do not take more Onfi than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
A severe overdose, alone or in combination with certain other substances such as alcohol and opioids, can cause a coma and may be fatal.
What to do in case you take too much Onfi
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Onfi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you abruptly lower your dosage or suddenly stop taking Onfi, you can experience life threatening withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and status epilepticus. These are side effects that can occur once your body has become dependent on Onfi.
Onfi has a
If you and your doctor decide to lower your dosage of Onfi or end your treatment, your doctor will taper your dosage (gradually lower your dosage over time). Each week, your daily dosage will be decreased by 5 mg or 10 mg.
If you develop any withdrawal symptoms, your dosage may be briefly increased again, and then the taper started again at a slower pace. This will all be done under the supervision of your doctor.
If you have any other questions about Onfi and withdrawal and dependence, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Onfi for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Onfi without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Onfi exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Would taking a higher dosage of Onfi increase my risk of side effects?
- What if Onfi still isn’t managing my seizures at the maximum dosage?
- Do my other seizure drugs affect the recommended dosage of Onfi?
To learn more about Onfi, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
