Chlordiazepoxide
Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine medication used primarily to treat anxiety disorders and manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity, producing calming and sedative effects.
Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05BA02
- RxNorm
- 2356
- Generic
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Librax
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg three to four times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg two to three times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8-12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg two to three times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8-12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid
avoid use in late pregnancy due to risk of neonatal sedation and withdrawal
fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
not recommended during breastfeeding due to excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for sedation, poor feeding, and developmental changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 50% and titrate slowly
use lowest effective dose due to increased sensitivity and risk of falls
monitor for excessive sedation, confusion, and fall risk
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose and monitor closely
use with caution in renal impairment due to reduced clearance
monitor renal function and drug accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 50%
use with extreme caution in hepatic impairment due to metabolism in liver
monitor liver function and for signs of accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for chlordiazepoxide
Drug class
ATC classification for chlordiazepoxide
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety associated with depression, acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and preoperative anxiety relief.
Chlordiazepoxide enhances the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) at GABA-A receptors in the brain. This increases chloride ion influx into neurons, causing hyperpolarization and reduced neuronal excitability, resulting in anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects.
May cause drowsiness and impairment; avoid operating machinery. Has potential for dependence with prolonged use and should not be discontinued abruptly. Contraindicated in pregnancy, severe liver disease, and respiratory depression. May interact with alcohol, opioids, and other CNS depressants.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy