Do you often experience stomach pain, bloating, or intestinal discomfort? Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you a medicine for stomach ulcers, inflammation of the intestines, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a digestive condition that many people suffer from. Today we are talking about a special type of medicine that is often prescribed at such times. It is a combination of two drugs called chlordiazepoxide and clidinium.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. Together, these two work to relieve your stomach discomfort.
1. Chlordiazepoxide: This belongs to the class of drugs called ``Benzodiazepine''. This gives your mind a little calmness. Because sometimes we see that stomach upset increases due to things like stress and anxiety. So this medicine helps to control that condition.
2. Clidinium: This is an ``Antispasmodic`` type of medicine. That is, it stops the muscles in your stomach and intestines from contracting (cramping) unnecessarily. It relaxes those muscles a little. Then the pain that feels like a cramp in your stomach decreases. In addition, it can also control the production of stomach acid to some extent.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is extremely important to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have before using this medication, as this medication may interact with some conditions.
| If you have this situation... | Why is it important to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | Because this medicine can increase eye pressure. |
| Depression or other mental illness | Because the medication can cause changes in mental status. |
| A history of drug or alcohol addiction | Because the risk of dependence on this drug is high. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because it can be difficult to properly remove the medicine from the body. |
| Difficulty urinating | Because this medicine can make the problem worse. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The medicine can be harmful to the baby in the womb and can also pass into breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | This medicine also prevents allergies. |
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to use this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- Take this medicine orally with a glass of water.
- The most important thing is to take this on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. Do not take it with food. This will maximize the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Drink at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor. Don't change the timings as you please.
- Even if you feel better, don't stop taking the medication suddenly without medical advice. We'll talk about that later.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It is against the law and may be dangerous for that person.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
This medication may interact with some other medications and foods, so it's important to be aware of this.
- Alcohol: Do not take alcohol with this medication for any reason. Doing so can cause severe side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
- Other medications: Other medications that cause drowsiness (e.g., allergy medications, some cough syrups, medications for mental illness, pain relievers) may increase side effects when taken with this medication.
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting, such as Warfarin.
- Some antiviral drugs for HIV or AIDS.
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Driving and operating machinery
This medicine may affect your concentration, decision-making ability, and coordination. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Drug Dependence and Withdrawal
When you use this medicine for a long time, your body and brain can become dependent on it. This is not an addiction. This condition can occur even if you use it as prescribed by your doctor. Therefore, if you stop taking the medicine suddenly without medical advice, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor to decide how long you should take the medicine and how to stop it safely.
Changes in mental status
If you or your family member notices anything unusual, such as sadness, anxiety, thoughts of harming yourself, unusual agitation, or memory loss, call your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. We will divide them into two categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Decreased activity of the central nervous system (CNS depression) | Slow breathing, excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, dizziness. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | It is most common during the initial stages of taking the medication. |
| Dry mouth | You can get relief by chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water. |
| Constipation | Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water can provide relief. |
| Dizziness | This can be reduced by changing postures. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep it safe, out of the reach of children.
- This medicine can be misused (abused), so keep it in a place where it can be protected from theft.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius) away from light.
- If you have unused, expired medications, mix them with cat litter or ground coffee grounds, put them in a tightly sealed container, and dispose of them.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a combination of two medications that are mainly given to reduce pain, cramping, and discomfort in the stomach and intestines.
- Take on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before meals. Use only the prescribed dosage as directed by your doctor.
- Never take with alcohol. Be very careful when taking with other medications that cause drowsiness.
- This can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so be careful when driving or doing tasks that require attention.
- Do not stop taking it suddenly without medical advice. Also, tell your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your mental state.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medication.
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