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Overview: Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium is used to treat certain gastrointestinal problems, including stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Common side effects include blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Do not stop this medicine without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to safely stop this medicine. 

Uses

What is chlordiazepoxide/clidinium used for?

Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium is commonly used to help with the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or acute enterocolitis (inflammation of part of the large intestine).

Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does chlordiazepoxide/clidinium work (mechanism of action)?

Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine. It produces a calming effect on the brain and nerves. Clidinium relaxes the muscles in the gut and reduces certain secretions inside the gut.

How is chlordiazepoxide/clidinium supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Librax

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg/2.5 mg oral capsules

How should I store chlordiazepoxide/clidinium?

Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium?

The most common side effects of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea or constipation
  • Skin problems
  • Swelling
  • Irregular periods
  • Problems emptying your bladder
  • Changes to your sex drive
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion

There may be other side effects of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium?

While less common, the most serious side effects of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing chlordiazepoxide/clidinium can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that chlordiazepoxide/clidinium is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
  • Feeling paranoid
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing, shallow breathing, or slowed breathing
  • Trouble staying awake

Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. If you stop chlordiazepoxide/clidinium suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to stop chlordiazepoxide/clidinium to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Unusual movements, responses, or expressions
  • Seizures
  • Sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
  • An extreme increase in activity or talking
  • Losing touch with reality

Some people may have the following symptoms of a withdrawal reaction that can last for several weeks to more than 12 months.

  • Anxiety
  • Trouble remembering, learning, or concentrating
  • Depression
  • Problems sleeping
  • Feeling like insects are crawling under the skin
  • Weakness
  • Shaking
  • Muscle twitching
  • Burning or prickling feeling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
  • Ringing in the ears

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how chlordiazepoxide/clidinium affects you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use chlordiazepoxide/clidinium?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium.

  • Chlordiazepoxide
  • Clidinium
  • Librax
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific chlordiazepoxide/clidinium products they stock.

Glaucoma. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium should not be taken if you have glaucoma.

Bladder or Prostate Problems. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium should not be taken if you already have certain problems that reduce your ability to empty your bladder. Let your health care provider know if you have a bladder blockage or an enlarged prostate.

What should I know about chlordiazepoxide/clidinium before using it?

Do not take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share chlordiazepoxide/clidinium with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep chlordiazepoxide/clidinium out of the reach of children. 

People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk of some side effects of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium, including drowsiness, trouble with balance or coordination, and confusion. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using chlordiazepoxide/clidinium?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if chlordiazepoxide/clidinium is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Mental Health Problems. Tell your health care provider about your recent and current mental health problems, especially depression, thoughts of suicide or dying, or if you have ever attempted suicide.

Substance Use Disorder. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium may be misused or lead to dependence. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol use disorder.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Eye problems
  • Trouble emptying your bladder
  • Coordination problems
  • Bleeding problems
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Live with someone who has an alcohol or substance use disorder

Other Medicines and Supplements. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how chlordiazepoxide/clidinium could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium during the later stages of pregnancy can cause withdrawal and the following symptoms in newborns.

  • Breathing problems
  • Sluggishness
  • Low muscle tone
  • Jitteriness
  • Fussiness or irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Shaking
  • Excessive crying
  • Feeding problems

Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if chlordiazepoxide/clidinium passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium while breastfeeding. If you take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium while you are breastfeeding, monitor your baby for sleepiness, feeding problems, or poor weight gain. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of these things. 

Interactions

Does chlordiazepoxide/clidinium interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between chlordiazepoxide/clidinium and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium. The risk of severe dizziness, sleepiness, breathing problems, or death may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium.

Does chlordiazepoxide/clidinium interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure to discuss if you are using any of the following before taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium.

  • An opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A phenothiazine, such as chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine (Compro and others), which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with chlordiazepoxide/clidinium. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally take too much chlordiazepoxide/clidinium?

If you or someone else has taken too much chlordiazepoxide/clidinium, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.