Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide + Ethanol
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide and Ethanol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Alcohol and chlordiazepoxide together cause additive CNS depression with impaired coordination, judgment and breathing. Overdose and fatal respiratory depression are possible, and the risk is greater with higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A potentiation by both agents.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol during chlordiazepoxide therapy. In supervised alcohol withdrawal, use scheduled dosing with close monitoring of sedation and respiration.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
- Librium 10 mg Capsules - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (names the partner; "Concomitant intake with alcohol should be avoided.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Chlordiazepoxide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Alcohol and chlordiazepoxide together cause additive CNS depression with impaired coordination, judgment and breathing. Overdose and fatal respiratory depression are possible, and the risk is greater with higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol during chlordiazepoxide therapy. In supervised alcohol withdrawal, use scheduled dosing with close monitoring of sedation and respiration.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide page.
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