What is Librax?
Librax is the name of a capsule that contains chlordiazepoxide and clidinium. Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Clidinium decreases stomach acid and intestinal spasms.The prescription medication Librax may help to treat emotional distress that is caused by stomach disorders (such as ulcers, IBS, or intestinal infections).When treating these conditions, Librax can be given in conjunction with other medications.Librax may be safe and effective for children, but this is unknown.
Warnings
Librax may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you've recently taken an opioid medication or alcohol or used other drugs that can slow breathing.MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Store the medication where others can't get it.If you have an enlarged prostate or problems urinating, then you should not take Librax.Stopping this medication without consulting your doctor is not recommended. If you suddenly stop taking the medication after a long period of use, you may experience life-threatening symptoms.Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to one year.Librax should not be used if you have an allergy to chlordiazepoxide, clidinium, or other benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, clorazepate, Xanax, Tranxene, Valium, or oxazepam. Chlordiazepoxide, clidinium, and other benzodiazepines can cause birth defects in an unborn child. This medicine should not be used if you're pregnant.Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms like abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden and severe mood or behavioural changes, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures.Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Librax. Alcohol can be exacerbated by this medication. Librax may cause side effects that can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and vigilance. This medication can become habit-forming and should only be taken by the individual prescribed it.
Similar/related drugs
famotidine, pantoprazole, doxycycline, dicyclomine, vancomycin, protonix, and pepcid
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following conditions, you should not take Librax.
- Glaucoma;
- An enlarged prostrate
- A bladder obstruction or any other urination problem.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that librax will be safe for you:
- Eye problems
- Urination problems
- Bleeding problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Mental illness or suicidal ideas.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Unborn babies can be harmed by chlordiazepoxide or clidinium. Do not take this medication during the first three months of pregnancy.A doctor can tell you if breastfeeding is safe while taking this medication. Librax may slow down breast milk production.Librax cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Librax?
Read all instructions and directions that come with your medication. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Do not use more medicine or longer than recommended. If you are feeling a greater urge to take more medicine, tell your doctor.Do not share this medication with anyone, especially if they have a history of addiction to drugs. Keep your medicine out of reach of others. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.Take Librax before eating and before bedtime. Please follow your doctor's directions.Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.Stopping this medication without consulting your doctor is not recommended. If you suddenly stop taking the medication after a long period of use, you may experience life-threatening symptoms.Librax should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Store your medicine where others cannot misuse it.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for peptic ulcer:
Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, Clidinium 2.5 mg capsules:
Maintenance dose: Orally, 1 to 2 capsules 3 to 4 times a day.
Adult dose for irritable bowel syndrome:
Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, Clidinium 2.5 mg capsules:
Maintenance dose: Orally, 1 to 2 capsules 3 to 4 times a day.
Adult dose for enterocolitis:
Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, Clidinium 2.5 mg capsules:
Maintenance dose: Orally, 1 to 2 capsules 3 to 4 times a day.
Usual dose for geriatrics with peptic ulcers:
Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, Clidinium 2.5 mg capsules:
Initial dose: Orally take 1 capsule 2 times per day. Increase the dosage as tolerated and needed.
Usual geriatric dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, Clidinium 2.5 mg capsules:
Initial dose: Orally take 1 capsule 2 times per day. Increase the dosage as tolerated and needed.
Usual geriatric dose for enterocolitis:Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, Clidinium 2.5 mg capsules:
Initial dose: Orally take 1 capsule 2 times per day. Increase the dosage as tolerated and needed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention. A Librax overdose can be fatal when taken with alcohol, opioid medicines, or other drugs that cause drowsiness and slow breathing.Overdose symptoms include blurred vision, dry mouth, less urination, constipation, and extreme drowsiness.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how the medicine will affect you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents or serious injuries.
Side effects of Librax
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, or hives, seek emergency medical attention.Librax may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications. If you have long pauses in your breathing, blue lips, or are unable to wake up, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.
If you experience:
- Severe drowsiness and slurred words;
- Slow heartbeat; slow breathing (breathing can stop);
- A seizure;
- Memory or concentration problems
- Unusual changes in mood and behaviour; thoughts about suicide or harming yourself
- Problems with muscle or balance movement
- Confusion, paranoia, anger, aggression,
- Stomach pain and loss of appetite
Older adults may experience drowsiness and dizziness for a longer period of time. Avoid falling or accidental injuries by exercising caution.
Side effects of Librax include:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation, nausea;
- Urination problems
- Confusion, sleepiness, and loss of coordination
- Rash;;
- Swelling;
- Menstrual irregularities;
- Increased or decreased interest in sexual activity.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after stopping this medication, seek medical attention immediately. These include abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden changes in mood and behaviour, confusion, hallucinations or seizures, or suicidal thoughts.After abruptly discontinuing the medication, some withdrawal symptoms may last up to one year. If you experience persistent anxiety or depression, memory or thinking problems, difficulty sleeping, ringing or prickly sensations in your ears or under your skin, or have trouble sleeping, tell your doctor.There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Do not take this medication with any other drug that makes you sleepy, slows your breathing, or is used to treat anxiety, seizures, or sleeping.
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Medication to treat mental illness: promethazine and thioridazine.
- Mao inhibitors include isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection (phenelzine), tranylcypromine, and others.
This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with clidinium and chlordiazepoxide, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. The list is not exhaustive.
