Table 22Examples of symptom-triggered and front-loaded dosing regimens for treating alcohol withdrawal with chlordiazepoxide

Dosing regimenDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4
Symptom triggered20 to 30 mg as needed up to hourly, based on symptoms1
Front loaded2100mg every 2 to 4 hours until sedation is achieved; then 50 to 100mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed50 to 100mg every 4 to 6 hours as neededNone

Note.

1

These symptoms include pulse rate greater than 90 beats per minute, diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg or signs of withdrawal.

2

Frequently, very little additional medication is necessary after initial loading.

From: 5, ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF CARE

Cover of Alcohol-Use Disorders
Alcohol-Use Disorders: Diagnosis, Assessment and Management of Harmful Drinking and Alcohol Dependence.
NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 115.
National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK).
Leicester (UK): British Psychological Society (UK); 2011.
Copyright © 2011, The British Psychological Society & The Royal College of Psychiatrists.

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