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Chlordiazepoxide / clidinium Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 18, 2023.

Applies to chlordiazepoxide / clidinium: oral capsule.

Warning

Oral route (Capsule)

Warning: Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal ReactionsConcomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.The use of benzodiazepines, include chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride, a component of Librax®, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride/clidinium bromide and throughout treatment, assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.The continued use of benzodiazepines, including chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride/clidinium bromide, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride/clidinium bromide after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risks of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride/clidinium bromide or reduce the dosage.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, chlordiazepoxide / clidinium may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking chlordiazepoxide / clidinium:

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking chlordiazepoxide / clidinium:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects

Some side effects of chlordiazepoxide / clidinium may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to chlordiazepoxide / clidinium: oral capsule.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included anticholinergic effects (e.g., blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, urinary hesitancy).[Ref]

Psychiatric

The elderly and debilitated may be more susceptible to confusion; this side effect has occasionally been reported at the lower dosage ranges.[Ref]

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased libido, increased libido

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Confusion[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Constipation most commonly occurred when patients took spasmolytic agents concurrently and/or with a low residue diet.[Ref]

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, nausea

Frequency not reported: Dry mouth[Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Jaundice, liver dysfunction[Ref]

Hematologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agranulocytosis, blood dyscrasias[Ref]

Nervous system

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Extrapyramidal symptoms

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Drowsiness

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Syncope

Frequency not reported: Anticholinergic effects, changes in EEG patterns (low-voltage fast activity)[Ref]

The elderly and debilitated may be more susceptible to drowsiness and syncope; the side effects have occasionally been reported at the lower dosage ranges.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Minor menstrual irregularities

Frequency not reported: Urinary hesitancy[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin eruptions[Ref]

Other

The elderly and debilitated may be more susceptible to ataxia; this side effect has occasionally been reported at the lower dosage ranges.[Ref]

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Ataxia[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Blurred vision[Ref]

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Product Information. Librax (chlordiazepoxide-clidinium). Valeant Pharmaceuticals. 2007.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer