What is Librax: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Librax overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Librax, Librax, Antispasmodic, Donnatal, Librax, Phenohytro, Quadrapax, Quadrapax

Generic Names:

  • Chlordiazepoxide-Clidinium

Uses:

  • Treats symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Also treats colitis, peptic ulcers, or other digestive problems. Often used with other medicines., Treats stomach or bowel problems such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and enterocolitis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antimuscarinic Combination, Antimuscarinic Combination, Digestant, Gastrointestinal Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What is Librax used for?

Chlordiazepoxide-Clidinium comes in capsule form and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, ulcer disease and certain types of bowel swelling. It works by acting on neurotransmitters in the brain which serve as natural 'nerve-calming' agents. This causes reduced anxiety, sleepiness and relaxed muscles. Chlordiazepoxide-Clidinium should not be used along with opioids as side effects have been known to include slowed or trouble breathing and death.

What form(s) does Librax come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Capsule

What are common Librax doses?

  • Capsule 5-2.5MG

Common Librax prescriptions

  • Librax
    5-2.5mg capsule

How to take Librax

  • Take this medicine before meals and at bedtime.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Take this medicine before meals and at bedtime.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Librax

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • If it is almost time for the next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Librax contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to chlordiazepoxide or clidinium, or if you have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to atropine, chlordiazepoxide, clidinium, hyoscyamine, phenobarbital, or scopolamine, or any other belladonna alkaloid medicine. You should not use this medicine if you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eyes), or if you have porphyria. You should not use this medicine if you have an enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, or if you have myasthenia gravis. You should not use this medicine if you have hiatal hernia or certain intestinal problems, such as a blockage in your bowels, or if you have severe colitis (inflammation of the bowel) that has caused ulcers.

Librax warnings

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)Unusual thoughts or behavior

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or trouble seeing. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, trouble urinating, or a history of depression, mental health problems, or drug or alcohol abuse.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney or liver problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). Before starting to use this medicine, let your doctor know if you have diarrhea.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • This medicine may make you sweat less. Your body could get too hot if you do not sweat enough. Stay out of hot places. Try to stay indoors or somewhere cool during hot weather. If you have a fever, call your doctor for advice. If your body gets too hot, you might feel dizzy, weak, tired, or confused. You might have an upset stomach or vomit. Call your doctor if you are too hot and cannot cool down.

Librax interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner medicine, such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or if you are also using other medicines to treat your ulcer or digestive problem.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • This medicine may make you sweat less. Your body could get too hot if you do not sweat enough. Stay out of hot places. Try to stay indoors or somewhere cool during hot weather. If you have a fever, call your doctor for advice. If your body gets too hot, you might feel dizzy, weak, tired, or confused. You might have an upset stomach or vomit. Call your doctor if you are too hot and cannot cool down.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:MAO inhibitorPhenothiazine medicine

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • While taking this medicine, avoid becoming overheated during exercise or hot weather; it can result in heat stroke.

  • Call your doctor if you develop a skin rash or severe sunburn when exposed to sun or ultraviolet lamps.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more than the prescribed amount or for longer periods than your doctor has ordered.

  • If you have taken this medicine for a long time or in large doses, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping this medicine.

Librax side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast or uneven heart beat.

  • Decrease in how often and how much you urinate.

  • Dry mouth.

  • Feeling bloated.

  • Feeling unusually angry, excited, nervous, or weak.

  • Headache.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

  • Pain in your bones or muscles.

  • Unable to sleep.

  • Trembling or shakiness

  • Severe confusion, drowsiness, muscle weakness

  • Unusual thoughts, mood, or behavior

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin

  • Clumsiness, trouble with coordination

  • Fast or slow, or shallow breathing, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble urinating

  • Constipation, nausea

  • Dry mouth, blurred vision

  • Constipation

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness

  • Nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

  • Decrease in how much you sweat.

  • Feeling bloated.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Dry mouth.

  • Unable to sleep.

  • Headache.

  • Decrease in how often and how much you urinate.

  • Feeling unusually angry, excited, nervous, or weak.

  • Pain in your bones or muscles.