Chlordiazepoxide

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (klor dye az e pox' ide)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Chlordiazepoxide is used to relieve anxiety and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.


How should this medicine be used?

Chlordiazepoxide comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken one to four times a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take chlordiazepoxide exactly as directed.

Chlordiazepoxide can be habit-forming. 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 the drug 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 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.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking chlordiazepoxide,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to chlordiazepoxide, 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 antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, Parkinson's disease, pain, asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by chlordiazepoxide.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, 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 chlordiazepoxide, call your doctor immediately.
  • talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking chlordiazepoxide if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take chlordiazepoxide because it is not as safe or effective as other medication(s) that can be used to treat the same condition.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking chlordiazepoxide.
  • you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
  • remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
  • tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Side effects from chlordiazepoxide are common and include:
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • tiredness
  • weakness
  • dry mouth
  • diarrhea
  • upset stomach
  • changes in appetite
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • restlessness or excitement
  • constipation
  • difficulty urinating
  • frequent urination
  • blurred vision
  • changes in sex drive or ability
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
  • 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


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

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.


Drug Category/Class

  • Adjuvants, Anesthesia
  • GABA Modulators
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Benzodiazepine Derivatives
  • Anxiolytics
  • Psycholeptics
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Nervous System
  • CYP2D6 Inducers
  • CYP2D6 Inducers (strong)
  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors
  • Benzodiazepine derivatives
Prescribed For the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety, withdrawal symptoms of acute alcoholism, and preoperat...
Weight :299.755
Structure Chlordiazepoxide
Generic Drug Chlordiazepoxide prescribed For the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety, withdrawal symptoms of acute alcoholism, and preoperat...
Formula

C16H14ClN3O

Chlordiazepoxide has 34 Brands listed


Anxizide (10 mg)Anxizide (20 mg)
Cdcon (10 mg)Cdcon (20 mg)
Cebrum (10 mg)Cebrum (25 mg)
Cebrum (5 mg)Chlordiazepoxide (5 mg)
Cloxide (10 mg)Cloxide (25 mg)
Czep (10 mg)Depoxil (10 mg)
Depoxil (25 mg)Dibrium (10 mg)
Ebrium (10 mg)Ebrium (25 mg)
Equblam (10 mg)Equicalm (10 mg)
Equilibrium (10 mg)Equiliser (10 mg)
Equiliser (25 mg)Equiliser (5 mg)
Lib CT (10 mg)Librate (10 mg)
Librel (10 mg)Librium (10 mg)
Librium (25 mg)Librosyn (10 mg)
Poxid (10 mg)Raipox (10 mg)
Raipox FC (10 mg)Serelib (10 mg)
Serelib (25 mg)Tridium (10 mg)

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