Chlordiazepoxide and Clidinium Bromide (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
The combination of chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide is used to treat ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. It helps relieve stomach spasms and abdominal cramps.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used
The combination of chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide comes as a capsule to be taken by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day, before meals and at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide exactly as directed.

Chlordiazepoxide can be habit-forming. Therefore, when taking chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide, do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making this medication less effective. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses even if you feel that you do not need them. Do not take chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

Special precautions
Before taking chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to chlordiazepoxide, clidinium, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel); antihistamines; atenolol (Tenormin); cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, thyroid, high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; oral contraceptives; muscle relaxants; probenecid (Benemid, Probalan); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; sleeping pills;valproic acid (Depakene); or vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; prostate problems; high blood pressure; seizures; or lung, thyroid, kidney, heart, or liver disease.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, call your doctor immediately.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide.
 * you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
 * remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
 * tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this medication.

What to do if you forget a dose
If you take several doses per day and miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor side effects
Side effects from chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide are common and include:


 * upset stomach
 * drowsiness
 * weakness or tiredness
 * excitement
 * sleeplessness
 * dry mouth
 * heartburn
 * bloated feeling
 * eyes more sensitive to sunlight than usual
 * taste changes
 * changes in appetite

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * constipation
 * difficulty urinating
 * frequent urination
 * blurred vision
 * dilated pupils
 * changes in sex drive or ability

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
 * slow or difficult speech
 * shuffling walk
 * persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
 * fever
 * difficulty breathing or swallowing
 * severe skin rash
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes
 * irregular heartbeat

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Clindex®
 * Librax®