Librax Tablet (Chlordiazepoxide/ Clidinium)

Introduction:

Librax tablet contains chlordiazepoxide and clinidium bromide which is indicated to control emotional and somatic factors in gastrointestinal disorders. It may also be used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of peptic ulcer and in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (irritable colon, spastic colon, mucous colitis) and acute enterocolitis. It also prevents sudden spasm of muscles to relieve stomach pain and cramps.

Chlordiazepoxide belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepine anxiolytics and also a synthetic anticholinergic agent with pronounced antispasmodic and antisecretory effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It helps in preventing muscle spasm of any causes. Clinidium belongs to the class of drugs called anticholinergic agents. It inhibits muscarinic actions of acetylcholine at gut wall and spontaneously reduce intestinal motility and relaxes the muscles in your stomach and gut (intestine).

The most common side effects of this medicine are nausea, bloating, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness. The usual maintenance dose is one tablet 3 times a day administered before meals or as advised by your physician. Librax tablet is contraindicated in the presence of glaucoma and in patients with prostatic hypertrophy and benign bladder neck obstruction.

Therapeutic Uses of Librax tablet:

Librax tablet is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation). It may also be used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of peptic ulcer and acute enterocolitis and also prevents the sudden spasm of muscles to relieve stomach pain and cramps, relieves flatulence and promotes easy passage of gas to reduce stomach discomfort.

How Librax tablet works?

Chlordiazepoxide binds to GABA (A) receptor complexes within the brain and enhances GABA-mediated chloride influx through GABA receptor channels thus causing membrane hyperpolarization. This net neuro-inhibitory effects result in observed muscle relaxant properties on gastrointestinal tract. Clinidium inhibits muscarinic actions of acetylcholine primarily by inhibiting the M1 muscarinic receptors and stops sudden muscle contractions (spasms) which in turn relieves cramps, pain, bloating, and discomfort.

How to use Librax tablet?

Always take Librax tablet exactly as your doctor has told you. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration depending upon your condition. It should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. The usual maintenance dose is one tablet 3 times a day administered before meals or as advised by your physician.

Side Effects:

 Common:

• sleepiness
• nausea
• constipation
• memory impairment
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• dryness in mouth
• difficulty in urination
• impaired coordination
• depression
• abdominal bloating

How to manage side effects:

Feeling sick (nausea):

Try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

Abdominal bloating:

Eat smaller and more frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor straight away.

Constipation: 

Eat fibre rich foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly.

Warnings & Precautions:

Pregnancy:

This medicine should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking.

Breast-feeding:

It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your Doctor.

Alcohol:

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

Driving:

Do not drive or use any tools or machines while taking this medicine, because it may cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Liver disease:

It is not recommended in patients with active liver diseases. Before taking, discuss the risks and benefits with your Doctor.

Others:

This medicine is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, since the anticholinergic component may produce some degree of mydriasis. It is also not recommended in patients with prostatic hypertrophy and benign bladder neck obstruction.

Interactions:

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• opioids or other CNS depressants

More Information:

Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well, as you will still be getting the benefits. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.