chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting benzodiazepine
Main licensed roles
Severe anxiety, muscle spasm and symptomatic relief of acute alcohol withdrawal
Administration
Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not chew it
Important safety point
May cause sedation, dependence, addiction and withdrawal reactions
What is chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Severe, disabling or highly distressing anxiety, including anxiety associated with insomnia or certain short-term illnesses
Muscle spasm from various causes
Relief of symptoms during acute alcohol withdrawal
How does chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride work?
It strengthens the inhibitory action of GABA in the brain, damping overactivity and producing calming, sedative, muscle-relaxing and anticonvulsant effects.
chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg
How to take chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions. Do not change the amount taken or stop treatment independently.
Swallow capsules whole with water; do not chew them.
Capsules may be taken before or with food.
Avoid alcohol because it can dangerously increase sedation and impairment.
Agree a stopping plan with the prescriber because sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal.
chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness or sedation, sometimes continuing into the next day
- Dizziness or tiredness
- Confusion
- Unsteadiness, impaired balance or poor coordination
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergy, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Respiratory depression or profound sedation
- Thoughts of self-harm, aggression, hallucinations or agitation
- Jaundice
- Unusual bleeding, pallor, persistent sore throat or repeated infections
- Convulsions or severe confusion associated with abrupt withdrawal
chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride in pregnancy
It crosses the placenta, and pregnancy data are limited. The selected product should generally be avoided, particularly during the first and last trimesters, unless the woman's clinical condition requires it. Late-pregnancy or labour exposure may cause newborn breathing, feeding, temperature or muscle-tone problems and withdrawal. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnant, planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant; do not stop suddenly.
chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It may enter breast milk, and the selected product advises avoiding it during breastfeeding if possible. Seek specialist or prescriber advice. If exposure occurs, the infant may need monitoring for unusual sleepiness, slow breathing, poor feeding and adequate weight gain.
chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, alcohol and non-prescribed substances. Important examples include:
Opioids
The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
Alcohol
Increases sedation and impairment and should be avoided.
Other sedating medicines
Sleeping medicines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anaesthetics and sedating antihistamines can intensify central nervous-system depression and falls risk.
Sodium oxybate
May substantially increase respiratory depression; combined use should be avoided.
Common questions about chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride the same as Librium?
Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride is the active ingredient; Librium is a brand name for capsules containing it.
Can it cause addiction or dependence?
Yes. Dependence, addiction and tolerance can occur even when prescribed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.