Pronunciation: klor-DYE-aze-ee-POX-ide/meth-skoe-POL-uh-meen
Generic Name: Chlordiazepoxide/Methscopolamine
Brand Name: Librax
Librax is used for:
Treating stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal inflammation (enterocolitis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Librax is a combination benzodiazepine and anticholinergic. The benzodiazepine works by decreasing anxiety and muscle spasms and also causing sedation. The anticholinergic works by decreasing stomach acid and relaxing stomach and intestinal muscles.
Do NOT use Librax if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Librax
- you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems, severe liver disease, or severe mental problems (psychosis)
- you have severe heart blood vessel disease, severe high blood pressure, severe bleeding, severe irritation of the esophagus or other serious problems with the esophagus (eg, esophageal achalasia), a blockage of your stomach or bowel, bowel motility problems, severe bowel inflammation (eg, ulcerative colitis), a blockage of your bladder, certain muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis), or uncontrolled bleeding
- you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Librax:
Some medical conditions may interact with Librax. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have liver or kidney problems, lung problems or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), muscle problems, depression, mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, the blood disorder porphyria, or a history of drug abuse or dependence
- if you have nerve problems, bowel problems, heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure), a hernia, trouble urinating, or you are at risk for glaucoma
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Librax. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Rifampin because the effectiveness of Librax may be decreased
- Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), clozapine, disulfiram, nefazodone, omeprazole, sodium oxybate (GHB), or valproic acid because side effects such as increased sedation may occur
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), clozapine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
- Anticholinergic medicines (eg, benztropine, hyoscyamine, or trihexyphenidyl), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or medicines for mental or mood disorders because they may increase the risk of Librax's side effects
- Beta-blockers (eg, propanolol) or digoxin because the actions and side effects may be increased by Librax
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Librax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Librax:
Use Librax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Librax by mouth before meals and at bedtime unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
- Do not take an antacid within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Librax.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Librax. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you decrease your dose or suddenly stop taking it. Talk with your doctor about any changes to your dose.
- If you miss a dose of Librax, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Librax.
Important safety information:
- Librax may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Librax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Librax may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Librax; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose, take Librax for longer than prescribed, or suddenly stop taking Librax without first checking with your doctor.
- Librax may make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. It may help to wear sunglasses.
- Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of Librax. Talk to your doctor before taking any antacids while taking Librax.
- Lab tests, including blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Librax. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Librax with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness, confusion, and loss of coordination.
- Librax should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Librax may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Librax while you are pregnant. Librax is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Librax.
When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Librax may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Librax stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.
Some people who use Librax for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you are on long-term or high-dosage therapy and you stop taking Librax suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms including convulsions, tremor, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, and trouble sleeping. Do not stop therapy abruptly or change dosage without asking your pharmacist or doctor. Discuss overuse with your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects of Librax:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bloating; blurred vision; clumsiness; confusion; constipation; decreased sweating; difficulty sleeping; dizziness; enlarged pupils; excessive daytime drowsiness; headache; lack of coordination; lightheadedness; nausea; nervousness; unsteadiness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in heartbeat; decreased urination; decreased sexual ability or desire; diarrhea; difficulty focusing your eyes; fainting; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; involuntary muscle movements; loss of taste; mental or mood changes; overexcitement; overstimulation; pounding in the chest; swelling; unusual weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Librax side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; clumsiness; coma; deep sleep; difficulty breathing; disorientation; drowsiness; excessive thirst; flushing; loss of consciousness; muscle weakness; overexcitement; severe or persistent nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness; severe dry mouth; slow reflexes.
Proper storage of Librax:
Store Librax at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Librax out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Librax, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Librax is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Librax. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Librax resources
- Librax Side Effects (in more detail)
- Librax Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Librax Drug Interactions
- Librax Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Librax - Add your own review/rating
- Librax Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Librax Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Librax Consumer Overview
Compare Librax with other medications
- Enterocolitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Peptic Ulcer
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