Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIndicationsDosageSide EffectsInteractionContraindications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Indications
Dosage
Side Effects
Interaction
Contraindications
Librax is a prescription oral medication used in adults to treat certain stomach or bowel problems likepeptic ulcers,irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), andenterocolitis.
Librax combines two different medications, chlordiazepoxide and clidinium, into a single oral capsule. Your healthcare provider may prescribe Librax along with other medications to treat your gastrointestinal condition.
This article describes the benefits of Librax, how to take it, and possible risks or side effects.
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Benefits of Librax
Librax is a combination drug consisting ofchlordiazepoxideandclidinium, each of which has different mechanisms of action:
Together, these medications can ease emotional and physical factors that contribute to many gastrointestinal disorders.
How to Take Librax
For the best results, Librax should be taken 30 minutes to one hour before eating a meal and right before bedtime.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon, take that dose and forget the missed one. Don’t double up doses to “catch up” as doing so increases the risk of side effects.
How Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is Treated
Possible Side Effects of Librax
As with all drugs, Librax can cause side effects—although some people are affected more than others. People who are pregnant, have a psychiatric illness, or have a history of addiction may need to consider options other than Librax.
Common Side Effects
When taken as prescribed, Librax can be used safely over the long term. Side effects tend to be mild and transient, gradually resolving as your body adjusts to the medication.
Common side effects of Librax include:
Reproductive System
Animal studies have suggested an increased risk of birth defects when taking benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide during the first trimester of pregnancy. There are no controlled studies in humans.
Librax is generally avoided during pregnancy unless no alternatives are available and the benefit outweighs the risks. When used, mothers should be advised that their babies may experience withdrawal symptoms due to exposure to the drug during pregnancy.
Females in their child-bearing years should usebirth controlto avoid pregnancy while taking Librax. As it is unknown if Librax can be passed through breastmilk, breastfeeding should be avoided.
It should also be noted that clidinium in Librax can suppress breast milk production in nursing people.
Mental and Emotional
Librax should be used with caution in people with psychiatric condtions unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If someone with psychiatric conditions is prescribed Librax, their psychiatrist should be advised and they should be closely monitored for adverse reactions.
In people withanxiety disorders, chlordiazepoxide has been know to cause overexcitement, manic behaviors, and episodes of rage. In those with major depression or othermood disorders, Librax may increase the risk ofsuicidal ideation(thoughts of suicide).
Risk of Addiction
If used as directed, benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide generally have a low risk of dependence (addiction) in the general population.
On the other hand, people withsubstance use disorderoralcohol use disorderare more likely to develop dependence, both physical and psychological, if the drug is overused or used for a long time.
People with a history of addiction should only be treated if the benefits outweigh the risks. If prescribed, the healthcare provider should keep track of signs of addiction, such as prescriptions that run out early or uninitiated requests for three-month supplies.
Risks of WithdrawalLibrax should not be stopped suddenly but tapered off gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms, including vomiting, confusion, anxiety, tremors, and spasms.
Risks of Withdrawal
Librax should not be stopped suddenly but tapered off gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms, including vomiting, confusion, anxiety, tremors, and spasms.
Librax Interactions
Librax can interact with many drugs, altering the concentration of either Librax or the accompanying drug in the bloodsteram. This can make side effects worse if concentrations are increased or the drug less effective if concentrations are decreased.
Key interactions include:
Librax should not be taken with alcohol as doing so can increase the symptoms of intoxication. This includes over-the-counter cough suppressants or cold remedies like Nyquil that contain alcohol.
To avoid interactions, let your healthcare provider know about any medications, supplements, herbal remedies, or recreational drugs you take.
Who Should Not Take Librax
Librax is contraindicated for use in people with certain diseases and medical conditions. This means the drug should not be used under any circumstance.
Absolute contradictions to Librax include:
Summary
Librax is a two-in-one drug that contains a benzodiazepine which has a calming effect and an anticholinergic which slows muscle contractions. These are useful in treating gastrointestinal illnesses like peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and acute enterocolitis.
List of Medications Used to Treat IBS
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Librax-chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide capsule.Valent Pharmaceutical.Librax (chlordiazepoxide HCl) (clidinium bromide) capsules.Schmitz A.Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: a review.Ment Health Clin.2016 Jun;6(3):120–126. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120Drugs.com.Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium) drug interactions.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Librax-chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide capsule.Valent Pharmaceutical.Librax (chlordiazepoxide HCl) (clidinium bromide) capsules.Schmitz A.Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: a review.Ment Health Clin.2016 Jun;6(3):120–126. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120Drugs.com.Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium) drug interactions.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Librax-chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide capsule.Valent Pharmaceutical.Librax (chlordiazepoxide HCl) (clidinium bromide) capsules.Schmitz A.Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: a review.Ment Health Clin.2016 Jun;6(3):120–126. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120Drugs.com.Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium) drug interactions.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Librax-chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide capsule.
Valent Pharmaceutical.Librax (chlordiazepoxide HCl) (clidinium bromide) capsules.
Schmitz A.Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: a review.Ment Health Clin.2016 Jun;6(3):120–126. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120
Drugs.com.Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium) drug interactions.
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