Librax (Chlordiazepoxide and Clidinium) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Librax

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) »

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common ailments of the bowel (intestines) and affects an estimated 15% of people in the US. The term, irritable bowel, is not a particularly accurate one since it implies that the bowel is responding irritably to normal stimuli, and this may or may not be the case. The several terms used for IBS, including spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis, attest to the difficulty of getting a descriptive handle on the ailment. Moreover, each of the other names is itself as problematic as the term IBS.

IBS is best described as a functional disease. The concept of functional disease is particularly useful when discussing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The concept applies to the muscular organs of the gastrointestinal tract; the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and colon. What is meant by the term, functional, is that either th...

Read the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) article »

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Librax User Reviews >>

Librax

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Slideshow Pictures

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Librax Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, blurred vision, dry eyes, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and abdominal bloating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. To relieve dry eyes, consult your pharmacist for artificial tears or other eye lubricants.

To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: decreased sweating, dry/hot/flushed skin, fast/irregular heartbeat, loss of coordination, slurred speech, fainting, uncontrollable/unusual muscle movements, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation, unusual excitement, depression, strange thoughts), eye pain, vision changes, difficulty urinating, decreased sexual ability, slow/shallow breathing.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), signs of liver problems (dark urine, persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual tiredness).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to clidinium or chlordiazepoxide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, enlarged prostate, problems with urination due to a blocked urinary tract, other stomach/intestinal problems (such as slow gut, blockage, ulcerative colitis, infection, little/no stomach acid, ileostomy/colostomy patients with diarrhea), overactive thyroid, heart problems (such as coronary artery disease, angina, congestive heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, heart problems due to severe bleeding), high blood pressure, heartburn problems (such as acid reflux, hiatal hernia, esophagus problems), a certain nervous system problem (autonomic neuropathy), myasthenia gravis, liver problems, kidney problems, breathing/lung problems, drug/alcohol abuse, mental/mood conditions (such as depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis, schizophrenia), a certain blood disorder (porphyria).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

This medication may make you sweat less which can increase your risk for heat stroke, a very serious condition. Avoid activities that might cause you to overheat (such as doing strenuous work/exercise in hot weather, using hot tubs). Drink plenty of fluids, and dress lightly while in hot weather or when exercising. If you become overheated, stop exercising and promptly seek cooler shelter. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a fever, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, unusual excitement, memory problems, constipation, urination problems, and unsteadiness.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor immediately.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.