It can be frustrating trying to determine whether Klonopin has gluten or not, as it is not marketed as "gluten-free." Only by comparing the ingredients in Klonopin with gluten-free additive and food lists can one ascertain its gluten content. Klonopin has no glutenous ingredients and is considered safe for those with gluten intolerance.
Klonopin and Clonazepam
Klonopin is a brand name for the drug clonazepam. Clonazepam is in the benzodiazepine class and is used alone or in conjunction with other drugs to control seizures and anxiety attacks. It is also used as as an antipsychotic medication and as a treatment for acute catatonic reactions. Clonazepam comes in tablet and wafer forms and can be habit-forming, thus it is a federally-regulated prescription drug.
Klonpin Ingredients
Klonopin is manufactured by Genentech, a subsidary of Roche Pharmaceuticals. The Genentech website lists the active ingredient in Klonopin products as clonazepam, and the inactive ingredients for the wafers are gelatin, mannitol, methylparaben sodium, propylparaben sodium and xanthan gum. Klonopin tablets all include lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch and FD&C food coloring.
Gluten-Free Labeling Standards
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA has set guidelines for "gluten-free" labeling of food and drug products. "Gluten-free" products may not contain any wheat, rye, barley or hybrids of those grains. Wheat is an allergen and a warning is required on labels of products with wheat, as per the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. This can also be helpful to those trying to avoid gluten. Klonopin contains corn starch, not wheat starch, and it does not contain any products which would prevent it from being labeled "gluten-free" under FDA guidelines.
Klonopin Has No Gluten
The University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center or UCCDC has published a list of gluten-free foods as well as additives. Gelatin, corn starch, mannitol and xanthan gum are all listed as gluten-free additives on the UCCDC website. MayoClinic.com has also published a list of gluten-free foods, and dairy products, including lactose and corn products, including corn starch are listed as safe for those with gluten intolerance. While Klonopin is not labeled gluten-free, it has no ingredients that are glutenous.
