What is Librax?
Librax is comprised of two different forms of medication--chlordiazepoxide and clidinium. Chlordiazepoxide is in a class of drugs call benzodiazepines, which are often prescribed for anxiety and tension. Clidiniuman is an anticholinergic. It prevents spasms in the muscles of the gut and bladder by relaxing them, and reduces the production of stomach acid.
How is Librax taken?
Librax comes in the forms of capsule, tablet, and oral liquid. It is usually taken four times per day. For best results, Librax should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating a meal. Librax should not be taken at the same time as an antacid. Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of librax.Why is Librax prescribed?
Librax may be prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers (infrequently), diverticulosis or an infection in the digestive tract.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose should be taken soon, just take that dose. Don't double up, or take more than one dose at a time.
Who should not take Librax?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following conditions:
- Asthma or chronic lung disease
- Any psychiatric disease
- Depression
- Enlargement of the prostate (BPH)
- Hiatal hernia or reflux disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Intestinal blockage
- Irregular heartbeat, or any type of heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Thyroid disease
- Toxic megacolon
- Ulcerative colitis
- Urinary retention or bladder neck obstruction
What are the side effects?
Librax can be psychologically and physically habit forming. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction. Do not take more librax than prescribed.
Serious side effects of librax include mental changes such as confusion or hallucinations and difficulty in urination.
Other side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, blurred vision and dry mouth. See the librax side effects page for a complete list.
Are there any sexual side effects?
Librax has caused impotence in some men and menstrual irregularities in some women. Librax may also increase or decrease the sex drive.
What medications can librax interact with?
Librax may interact with the following medications:
- Antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives
- Antacids
- Antihistamines
- Blood thinners (Coumadin)
- Cardiac rhythm regulators (Pronestyl, quinidine)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate)
- Prednisone
- Sleeping pills (Ambien, Halcion)
- Thiazide diuretics (Dyazide, hydrochlorothiazide)
Are there any food interactions?
Librax is not known to interact with any foods. People taking librax should avoid alcoholic drinks as the two together could have an increased sedative effect. Take care to avoid alcohol from unexpected sources, such as over the counter cough suppressants or cold products (Nyquil, for example). Librax can cause constipation, and patients should get enough fiber and drink enough water to counteract this effect.
Is librax safe during pregnancy?
The FDA has classified librax as a type D drug. The chlordiazepoxide portion of librax does have an effect on an unborn child. Librax should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Women taking librax should use contraception. Notify the prescribing doctor if you become pregnant while taking librax. Librax does pass into breast milk, and could affect a nursing infant. Librax can suppress the production of breast milk in nursing mothers.How long can librax be taken safely?
Under the supervision of a physician, librax can be safely used long-term. Librax should not be stopped suddenly; but dosage should be gradually reduced.
