Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium + Ethanol
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium 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 adds to the central nervous system depression caused by chlordiazepoxide, producing marked drowsiness, impaired coordination and judgment, and in higher amounts respiratory depression. The risk of accidents and overdose is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium 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 enhancement of GABA-A receptor activity by both agents.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking this product. Counsel on driving and machinery risks, and do not use in patients with active heavy alcohol intake unless supervised withdrawal treatment.
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
- Dehydrated Alcohol (Absolute Alcohol) BP for Injection - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: tranquillisers; "Alcohol may enhance the acute effects of drugs which depress the central nervous system, such as hypnotics, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics,") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium
- Alfentanil + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Alprazolam + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Amobarbital + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
- Brexanolone + Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium 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 adds to the central nervous system depression caused by chlordiazepoxide, producing marked drowsiness, impaired coordination and judgment, and in higher amounts respiratory depression. The risk of accidents and overdose is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium 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 while taking this product. Counsel on driving and machinery risks, and do not use in patients with active heavy alcohol intake unless supervised withdrawal treatment.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide-clidinium page.
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