Critical Care

CIWA-Ar (Alcohol Withdrawal) Calculator

Alcohol withdrawal severity assessment guiding benzodiazepine dosing

Calculate CIWA-Ar

Nausea / Vomiting

Tremor

Paroxysmal Sweats

Anxiety

Agitation

Tactile Disturbances

Auditory Disturbances

Visual Disturbances

Headache / Fullness in Head

Orientation and Clouding of Sensorium

Clinical use

Use this calculator for alcohol withdrawal severity assessment guiding benzodiazepine dosing in thecritical care workflow. It is decision support and should be interpreted with the patient context, local protocols, and clinician judgment.

Interpretation

≤8: mild (supportive). 9-15: moderate (benzos PRN). 16-20: severe (aggressive benzos, ICU). >20: very severe — DT risk.

Required inputs

Nausea
Tremor
Paroxysmal Sweats
Anxiety
Agitation
Tactile Disturbances
Auditory Disturbances
Visual Disturbances
Headache
Orientation Clouding

Evidence and limitations

This page cites 1 published reference. Confirm units and inclusion criteria before applying the output; calculators do not replace assessment, escalation, or local policy.

References

Sullivan JT et al. Br J Addict 1989;84:1353-1357

Frequently asked questions

What is the CIWA-Ar (Alcohol Withdrawal)?

CIWA-Ar (Alcohol Withdrawal) is a clinical calculator used for Alcohol withdrawal severity assessment guiding benzodiazepine dosing.

How do I interpret the CIWA-Ar (Alcohol Withdrawal)?

≤8: mild (supportive). 9-15: moderate (benzos PRN). 16-20: severe (aggressive benzos, ICU). >20: very severe — DT risk.

What inputs are required for the CIWA-Ar (Alcohol Withdrawal)?

Required inputs include Nausea, Tremor, Paroxysmal Sweats, Anxiety, Agitation, Tactile Disturbances, Auditory Disturbances, Visual Disturbances, Headache, Orientation Clouding.