Librium

Feb 04, 2005 Viewed: 875

Alternative names 
Chlordiazepoxide overdose

Definition
Chlordiazepoxide poisoning is an overdose of chlordiazepoxide, an anti-anxiety medication.

Poisonous Ingredient

Chlordiazepoxide

Where Found

     
  • Librium  
  • Librax  
  • Limbitrol  
  • Equibral  
  • A-Poxide  
  • Mitran

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

     
  • Body as a whole       o Weakness       o Tremor       o Incoordination       o Low body temperature       o Facial muscle stiffness       o Dry mouth  
  • Respiratory       o Labored breathing  
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat       o Double vision or blurred vision       o Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes       o Dilated pupils  
  • Skin       o Rash       o Bluish colored lips and fingernails       o Jaundice  
  • Gastrointestinal       o Upset stomach       o Heart and blood vessel       o Low blood pressure  
  • Nervous system       o Drowsiness       o Depression       o Stupor or coma       o Dizziness       o Confusion       o Memory loss       o Withdrawal seizures

Home Treatment
DO NOT induce vomiting.

Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:

     
  • Patient’s age, weight, and condition  
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)  
  • When it was swallowed  
  • The amount swallowed  
  • If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
Call Poison Control or your local emergency number - they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. If possible, take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

     
  • Administering activated charcoal  
  • Administering a laxative  
  • Emptying the stomach (gastric lavage)  
  • Treating the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)
With proper care, full recovery can be expected. Exceptions may include patients with aplastic anemia.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 5, 2012
by David A. Scott, M.D.

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All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.