Chlordiazepoxide
Systematic (IUPAC) name
9-chloro-5-hydroxy-N-methyl-6-phenyl- 2,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undeca- 1,6,8,10-tetraen-3-imine
Identifiers
CAS number	58-25-3
ATC code	N05BA02
PubChem	2712
DrugBank	APRD00682
Chemical data
Formula	C16H14ClN3O
Mol. mass	299.8
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	5-25 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	D (USA)
Legal status	Schedule IV(US)
Routes	Oral, parenteral

Chlordiazepoxide (pronounced [ˈklɔːrˌdaɪəzepˈoksaɪd], marketed under the trade name Librium®) is a sedative/hypnotic drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It has a medium to long half life.

History

See the main article benzodiazepine for the history of Librium

Pharmacology

Chlordiazepoxide is believed to act on the GABA_A receptor, thereby producing inhibitory effects similar to the other benzodiazepines.

Indications

Chlordiazepoxide is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks. It has also been used as a treatment for acute alcohol or opiate withdrawal, as well as relief from Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.

Dosage

Chlordiazepoxide is available in dosages of 5mg, 10mg and 25mg.

Side effects

Common side effects of chlordiazepoxide include:

• Drowsiness
• Depression
• Impaired motor function
  • Impaired coordination
  • Impaired balance
  • Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Anterograde amnesia (especially pronounced in higher doses)

Contraindications

Use of chlordiazepoxide should be avoided in individuals with the following conditions:

• Myasthenia gravis
• Acute intoxication with alcohol, narcotics, or other psychoactive substances
• Ataxia
• Severe hypoventilation
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
• Severe liver deficiencies (hepatitis and liver cirrhosis decrease elimination by a factor of 2)
• Severe sleep apnea
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to any drug in the benzodiazepine class

Overdose

An individual who has consumed too much chlordiazepoxide will display one or more of the following symptoms:

• Somnolence (difficulty staying awake)
• Mental confusion
• Hypotension
• Hypoventilation
• Impaired motor functions
  • Impaired reflexes
  • Impaired coordination
  • Impaired balance
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle Weakness
• Coma

In animal models, the oral LD₅₀ of chlordiazepoxide is 537 mg/kg.

Chlordiazepoxide overdose is considered a medical emergency and generally requires the immediate attention of medical personnel. The antidote for an overdose of chlordiazepoxide (or any other benzodiazepine) is flumazenil (Anexate®).

Legal status

Internationally, chlordiazepoxide is a Schedule IV drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances[1].

Alternative trade names

• Librax
• Librocol
• Librelease
• Libritabs
• Limbitrol
• Menrium
• Novo-Poxide
• Poxidium
• Risolid
• Defobin

External links

• Rx-List.com - Chlordiazepoxide
• Inchem.org - Chlordiazepoxide

References