Drug
Clidinium-Chlordiazepoxide
Pronounced
"klor-dye-azz-eh-POX-ide/klye-DIN-ee-um"
Uses
This medication is a combination of 2 drugs, clidinium and chlordiazepoxide. It is used along with other medications to help treat stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel infections). Clidinium helps to reduce the symptoms of stomach and intestinal cramping. It works by slowing the natural movements of the gut and by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and intestines. Clidinium belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics/antispasmodics. Chlordiazepoxide helps to reduce anxiety. It acts on the brain and nerves to produce a calming effect. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Warning
Chlordiazepoxide has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Taking this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of chlordiazepoxide that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. Be sure you know how to take chlordiazepoxide and what other drugs you should avoid taking with it. See also Drug Interactions section. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.
Suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hallucinations/confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures. Withdrawal symptoms may sometimes last weeks to months.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
How to Use This Medication
See also Warning section.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking clidinium/chlordiazepoxide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day (30 to 60 minutes before meals and at bedtime).
If you are taking an antacid, take it after meals and take this medication before meals.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Older adults usually start with a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects.
Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may increase.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.