Chlordiazepoxide - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Chlordiazepoxide is used to relieve anxiety, especially if it is accompanied by difficulty sleeping also known as insomnia.

This medicine may also be used to relieve muscle spasms and symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Chlordiazepoxide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Chlordiazepoxide is available as a capsule or tablet.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Chlordiazepoxide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
  • severe lung disease
  • respiratory depression (slow or ineffective breathing)
  • long-term mood disorder or mental illness
  • anxiety disorder due to unreasonable thoughts and fears
  • sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
  • severe liver disease
as Chlordiazepoxide may not be suitable for you.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • depression, especially when having thoughts of self-harm
  • porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
  • other lung diseases or problems
  • history of alcohol or drug abuse
  • personality disorder (a mental disorder characterised by an unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving)
  • kidney disease
  • mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Chlordiazepoxide to the elderly or debilitated patient (physically or mentally weak person, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated patients may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Routine tests (e.g. lung, heart or blood vessel function; mental status) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
  • Regular monitoring of signs of changes in behaviour may also be needed.
What side effects could I experience?
Chlordiazepoxide may cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired concentration or muscle function, or double vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, constipation, tiredness, changes in salivation, increased appetite, muscle weakness, unsteadiness, difficulty controlling or loss of control of body movements, difficulty speaking, or confusion.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • difficulty learning new information or memory problems
  • yellowing of skin or eyes
  • unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, aggressive outbursts, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are non-existent, an extreme increase in activity or talking)
  • desire or physical need to take this medicine to function normally
  • fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
  • strong painkillers e.g. morphine
  • other sleeping pills
  • medicines to block pain and sensation e.g. lidocaine
  • certain medicines for cold or allergy e.g. hydroxyzine
  • medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin
  • muscle relaxants e.g. baclofen, tizanidine
  • sodium oxybate (medicine used to treat extreme daytime sleepiness)
  • cimetidine (medicine used to reduce stomach acid production)
  • erythromycin (antibiotic)
  • rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
  • omeprazole (gastric medicine)
  • lofexidine (medicine used for controlling the symptoms of opioid [strong painkiller] withdrawal)
  • nabilone (medicine to treat severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy)
  • disulfiram (medicine used to help in the management of alcohol addiction)
  • levodopa (medicine to treat Parkinson's disease [a disorder that affects the movement of a person])
  • theophylline (asthma medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Chlordiazepoxide.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Chlordiazepoxide.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on chlordiazepoxide - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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