Home | Jackson Siegelbaum Gastro | Patient Education
		chlordiazepoxide (klor di as ah POX ide) clidinium (clah DIN e um) Librax 2.5/5 mg This preparation consists of these two different drugs. It is a combination. This drug is available in a generic form. What is chlordiazepoxide/clidinium? This combination acts on the muscle in the wall of the gut and also the urinary bladder. It relaxes the muscle and prevents spasms from occurring. It also can slightly reduce the production of stomach acid. There is also a sedative in the product since, in some instances, stress can aggravate intestinal spasm. What is it used for? The main role of this drug is to prevent painful spasm of the gut and urinary bladder. The following conditions may be helped: diarrhea, irritable or spastic bowel, diverticulosis, colic and urinary bladder spasm. At times, intestinal spasm is aggravated by stress so a sedative has ben added to this product. It is seldom used in treating peptic ulcers since there are much better drugs now available to reduce stomach acid and heal ulcers. How do I take it? Follow your physician's instructions carefully. Take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium 30 to 60 minutes before eating for best results. If you also take an antacid, take the antacid after the meal. Taking an antacid at the same time as chlordiazepoxide/clidinium can interfere with the absorption of this combination. Store at room temperature in a tightly sealed container. Keep all medications away from children. Never share your medications with anyone else. What do I do for a missed dose? If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double up on this medication. Are there interactions with food or beverages? There are no known food interactions with chlordiazepoxide/clidinium. This medication can cause constipation which can be prevented by using foods rich in fiber and bran. Alcohol should be used with caution or avoided because the combination may cause excessive sedation. Are there interactions with other drugs? An interaction generally means that one drug may increase or decrease the effect of another drug. Also, the more medications a person takes, the more likely there will be a drug interaction. Interactions with this drug may occur with the following: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate) sleeping pills (Ambien, Halcion) antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives (Valium, Xanax, Stelazine, Thorazine) antacids antihistamines (Benadryl, Tavist) cimetidine (Tagamet) prednisone blood thinners (Coumadin) digoxin (Lanoxin) metoclopramide (Reglan) thiazide diuretics (Dyazide, hydrochlorothiazide) ketoconazole (Nizoral) cardiac rhythm regulators (Pronestyl, quinidine) Is there a problem if I have another disorder or disease? At times, a drug may have a different or enhanced effect when other diseases are present. At other times, the drug may worsen or effect another disease. With this drug, the following disorders may be a problem: glaucoma prostate enlargement - BPH hypertension (high blood pressure) congestive heart failure severe ulcerative colitis where bowel movements have stopped myasthenia gravis chronic or severe kidney or liver disease asthma What about allergies? People who have known allergies or asthma may be at an increased risk for a reaction from any new medication. The physician should always know a patient's allergy history. Signs of an allergic reaction are skin rash, hives and itching. Of course, a person should not take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium if there has been a previous reaction to these or other anticholinergic drugs. What if I'm pregnant, considering pregnancy or breast-feeding? Most females now know that, if possible, no drug, including alcohol, should be taken during pregnancy or lactation. The potential danger, of course, is an injury to the baby. However, some drugs are much safer than others in this regard. So, the FDA has a grading system for each drug which reflects what is known medically. It ranks drugs from A, where medical studies show no evidence for danger to the fetus or mother, to B, C, D and X, where the medical evidence indicates that the risk to the fetus outweighs any benefit to the mother. Chlordiazepoxide is ranked D. This combination should not be taken by a female in the childbearing age unless effective contraception is used. Always consult your physician before taking any drug during or when planning pregnancy. What are the effects on sexual function? This medication can cause an increase or decrease in sex drive as well as impotence. In females, it can produce minor menstrual irregularities. Are there other precautions? The chlordiazepoxide portion of this combination can be habit forming and has been associated with drug dependence. Use this medication cautiously if you have ever had a problem with alcohol or drug abuse If you have been on this medication for a long period of time, you should not stop taking it suddenly. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, you will have to gradually taper the dose Because of its sedative effects, do not drive or operate any hazardous equipment until the full effect of the drug has been determined How long is it safe to take chlordiazepoxide/clidinium? It may take 4 to 5 days of regular use to determine the effectiveness of this drug. As long as side effects are tolerable and there is no increase in intensity of the side effects, the drug can be taken long-term with physician supervision. How about side effects? Adverse reactions can occur with any drug, even over-the-counter medications. Some of these are mild such as a stomach upset, which may be avoided by taking the medication with food. Minor reactions may go away on their own but if they persist, contact the physician. For major reactions, the patient should contact the physician immediately. For chlordiazepoxide/clidinium, the following are the observed side effects: Minor: headache drowsiness dizziness decreased sweating rapid heartbeat dry mouth nausea vomiting rash constipation Major: difficult urination confusion blurred vision A physician's comment... This drug relieves symptoms. It does not cure an underlying disorder. Some people have problems with constipation while taking this drug. The addition of fiber to the diet is helpful. Remember that there is a sedative drug in this preparation. Drug dependence can occur with long-term use. Check with your physician on a regular basis. Posted: July 1998 Irritable Bowel Syndrome | High Fiber Diet
		Patient Ed | Diseases | Procedures | Diets | Drugs | Endoscopy Images | Links Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology 423 North 21st Street, Suite 100   2626 North 3rd Street., Suite 3A Camp Hill, PA 17011 Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 761-0930   Phone: (717) 238-3111 *We can NOT provide medical care over the phone. Please contact us to make an appointment if needed. Fax: (717) 761-0465 Email: contact@gicare.com Web: gicare.com © Copyright 2006 Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. All Rights Reserved.