Comprehensive medication guide to Librax including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay for generic on most commercial plans (Tier 1–2); prior authorization rarely required for generic. Medicare Part D covers generic with modest copays under the 2026 $2,100 out-of-pocket cap.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$800–$1,042 retail for generic without discounts; as low as $20–$33 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30–60 day supply. Brand Librax retails for $3,500+ per 60 capsules.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
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Librax is a prescription combination capsule containing chlordiazepoxide 5 mg and clidinium bromide 2.5 mg. FDA-approved since 1966, it is used to treat gastrointestinal conditions including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peptic ulcer disease, and acute enterocolitis. It is always prescribed as adjunctive therapy alongside other treatments.
Brand Librax is manufactured by Bausch Health US, LLC. Generic versions (chlordiazepoxide/clidinium) are available from multiple FDA-approved manufacturers including Amneal, Nuvo, and Teva. Each capsule contains 5 mg of chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and 2.5 mg of clidinium bromide.
Librax is unique because it addresses both the physical symptoms (gut spasms, stomach acid) and the anxiety and nervous tension that commonly drive or worsen gastrointestinal conditions — a dual approach that makes it particularly useful for patients with anxiety-associated IBS or stress-triggered ulcers.
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Librax works through two complementary mechanisms targeting the gut-brain axis. The chlordiazepoxide component is a benzodiazepine that enhances the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. By binding to GABA-A receptors, chlordiazepoxide amplifies GABA's calming effect, reducing anxiety and nervous system over-activity that drives gut symptoms.
The clidinium component is an anticholinergic/antispasmodic that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. This reduces smooth muscle spasms, slows gut motility, and decreases stomach acid secretion — directly addressing the physical symptoms of IBS and peptic ulcer disease. Clidinium onset is within 1 hour and lasts up to 3 hours.
Together, these two mechanisms address the gut-brain connection. Stress and anxiety trigger gut spasms, increase stomach acid, and amplify pain perception in the GI tract. By simultaneously calming the brain and relaxing the gut, Librax treats the condition from both directions — making it particularly effective for patients whose GI symptoms are closely tied to emotional stress.
5 mg/2.5 mg — capsule
Standard dose: 1–2 capsules taken 3–4 times daily before meals and at bedtime
As of 2026, Librax is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. Generic chlordiazepoxide/clidinium is produced by multiple manufacturers (Amneal, Nuvo, Teva) and is nationally available. However, patients frequently encounter stockouts at individual pharmacies due to several structural factors.
Librax is a low-volume specialty medication. Pharmacies order it in small quantities based on historical demand, and regional wholesaler gaps can create brief local stockouts. Brand Librax has a retail price exceeding $3,500 for 60 capsules, so pharmacies predominantly stock the generic — also in limited supply. The presence of chlordiazepoxide (a Schedule IV benzodiazepine) adds ordering complexity at some pharmacies, even though the combination product is federally exempt from Schedule IV.
Patients looking for Librax should call pharmacies using the generic name (chlordiazepoxide/clidinium 5 mg/2.5 mg) and check large chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart first. medfinder contacts pharmacies near you on your behalf to check which ones have Librax in stock, so you don't have to spend hours on the phone.
Because the Librax combination product is federally exempt from Schedule IV classification, it can be prescribed like a non-controlled medication at the federal level. However, state regulations vary, and some states may impose additional prescribing requirements for benzodiazepine-containing combination products. The following providers routinely prescribe Librax:
Gastroenterologists — most likely to prescribe for IBS, peptic ulcer, and enterocolitis
Primary care physicians (PCPs) — commonly prescribe Librax for IBS and stress-related GI conditions
Internal medicine physicians — may prescribe for complex GI and anxiety-driven gut presentations
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — can prescribe in most states within their scope of practice
Telehealth prescribing of Librax is possible through some platforms, particularly for established GI conditions. However, the benzodiazepine component (chlordiazepoxide) may cause some telehealth platforms to follow conservative policies. Patients interested in telehealth should contact the platform in advance to confirm they prescribe chlordiazepoxide/clidinium for their condition.
This is an important and nuanced question. Chlordiazepoxide — one of Librax's two active ingredients — is a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act when used alone. However, the Librax combination product (chlordiazepoxide + clidinium) is federally exempt from Schedule IV classification because combining a small amount of a controlled substance with a non-controlled substance in a manner that diminishes abuse potential is expressly permitted under the CSA.
Despite the federal exemption, individual states may impose their own controls on benzodiazepine-containing combination products. Some state pharmacy boards apply controlled-substance handling requirements to Librax, which can affect how pharmacies order, store, and dispense it. Patients and providers should verify their state's specific regulations.
Regardless of controlled substance classification, Librax has real physical dependence potential due to the chlordiazepoxide component. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use can cause benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, including anxiety, tremors, and seizures in severe cases. Always taper Librax gradually under medical supervision.
The most frequently reported side effects of Librax reflect the mechanisms of both its active ingredients:
Drowsiness and sedation (from chlordiazepoxide)
Dry mouth (anticholinergic effect from clidinium)
Blurred vision (anticholinergic effect)
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Constipation (from reduced gut motility)
Confusion, especially in elderly patients
Urinary retention (contraindicated with BPH)
Respiratory depression — risk greatly elevated when combined with opioids or alcohol (FDA black box warning)
Physical dependence and withdrawal syndrome — including anxiety, tremors, seizures; never stop abruptly
Suicidal thoughts or behavior — rare but requires immediate medical attention
Acute angle-closure glaucoma attack — clidinium is contraindicated in glaucoma
Severe allergic reactions — seek emergency care immediately
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Dicyclomine (Bentyl)
Anticholinergic antispasmodic for IBS; most common first-line alternative; not a controlled substance; $3–$20 cash price; covers gut spasms without the anxiolytic component
Hyoscyamine (Levsin, Levbid, NuLev)
Anticholinergic antispasmodic; faster onset than dicyclomine; available in sublingual form for acute spasm relief; $10–$50 cash price
Donnatal
Combination of phenobarbital + hyoscyamine + atropine + scopolamine; similar dual-action profile to Librax; Schedule IV controlled substance
Rifaximin (Xifaxan)
Antibiotic specifically approved for IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D); different mechanism from Librax; significantly more expensive
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Opioid medications (codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, tramadol)
majorFDA black box warning: combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Avoid unless absolutely necessary with close monitoring.
Alcohol
majorDramatically worsens CNS depression, impairs coordination and judgment, greatly increases overdose risk. Do not drink alcohol while taking Librax.
Other CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, sleep medications, sedatives, antihistamines, muscle relaxants)
majorAdditive sedation and respiratory depression. Use with extreme caution or avoid.
Other anticholinergic drugs (tricyclic antidepressants, bladder medications, certain antihistamines)
moderateAdditive anticholinergic effects — dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, constipation, confusion. Risk of anticholinergic toxicity.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (darunavir, ketoconazole, fluconazole)
moderateMay increase chlordiazepoxide blood levels, enhancing sedation. Dose reduction may be required.
CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, apalutamide)
moderateMay decrease chlordiazepoxide blood levels, reducing efficacy.
Librax (chlordiazepoxide/clidinium) is a well-established combination medication that has been treating IBS, peptic ulcers, and gut spasms since 1966. Its dual mechanism — simultaneously calming the nervous system and relaxing the gut — makes it uniquely effective for patients whose GI symptoms are driven or worsened by anxiety and stress.
Patients should be aware of two key practical realities in 2026: First, brand Librax is very expensive ($3,500+ retail), but the generic can cost as little as $20–$33 with a GoodRx coupon. Always ask for generic. Second, Librax can be difficult to find at individual pharmacies due to low stocking priority and the complexity of its benzodiazepine component, even though it is not on the FDA shortage list.
If you're struggling to find Librax at a pharmacy near you, medfinder contacts pharmacies in your area on your behalf to identify which ones have it in stock and can fill your prescription — saving you the time and frustration of calling around yourself.
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