Librax Frequently Asked Questions

Librax is a fixed-dose combination drug comprised of two different medications, chlordiazepoxide and clidinium. Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines that are typically prescribed for anxiety and tension. Clidinium is an anticholinergic that prevents spasms in the muscles of the gut and bladder while reducing the excess production of stomach acid. Librax may be prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as adjunctive therapy for peptic ulcers or an inflammation of the digestive tract (enterocolitis).

Dosage

Librax is available in a capsule formulation. Each dose contains 5 milligrams (mg) of chlordiazepoxide and 2.5 mg of clidinium. The daily dosage can vary by the condition being treated.

For 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, just take that dose and forget the missed one. Don't double up doses in an effort to "catch up."

Possible Side Effects

Librax is known to cause considerable side effects, although some people are affected more than others. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, blurred vision, and dry mouth. Many of these resolve over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Librax may cause menstrual irregularities in some women. Librax may also increase or decrease the sex drive (libido). Let your healthcare provider know if such symptoms develop, especially if they are intolerable or you are planning a family.

Serious side effects of Librax can occur in some people, including mental changes (such as confusion and coordination problems) and difficulty in urination. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any such symptoms.

Librax can be psychologically and physically habit-forming. Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Under the supervision of a healthcare provider, Librax can be used safely over the long term as long as the recommended dose is never exceeded.

Interactions

Librax is known to interact with numerous medications, either increasing or decreasing the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream. This can either lead to a worsening of side effects or reduce the efficacy of a drug. Key interactions include:

• Antacids
• Anti-arrhythmia drugs like Pronestyl (procainamide)
• Anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin)
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Lanoxin (digoxin)
• Nizoral (ketoconazole)
• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
• Prednisone
• Reglan (metoclopramide)
• Sedatives like Ambien (zolpidem) and Halcion (triazolam)
• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• Thiazide diuretics like Dyazide (triamterene)

Librax should be not be taken with alcohol, as their combined use can increase the sedative effect. This includes alcohol found in over-the-counter cough suppressants or cold remedies like Nyquil.

Contraindications

Librax is contraindicated for use in people with certain diseases and medical conditions. This means that the drug should not be used under any circumstance. These include:

• Cardiovascular instability
• Drug abuse or dependence
• Glaucoma
• Hepatic function impairment
• Hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis  
• Hypersensitivity to chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and/or clidinium bromide 
• Hypertension    
• Hyperthyroidism 
• Intestinal atony
• Intestinal obstruction    
• Mental depression    
• Myasthenia gravis    
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Psychoses   
• Pulmonary disease
• Renal function impairment

Women in their child-bearing years should use contraception if prescribed Librax. The risk of fetal harm is greatest during the first trimester when fetal cells are still specializing.

It is unknown if the metabolites of Librax can be passed through breastmilk. With that said, Librax can suppress the production of breast milk in nursing mothers.