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chlordiazepoxide

Adjunctive therapy • Brands: LIBRIUM

Last reviewed: 2026-02-23

General information

Class: Adjunctive therapy
Common US brands: LIBRIUM
Typical dose range: Dosing varies by indication and severity; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest feasible duration, with frequent reassessment (label).
Therapeutic drug monitoring not routinely recommended.
Last reviewed: 2026-02-23

Dosing & forms

Forms/strengths: Capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg.
Typical range: Dosing varies by indication and severity; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest feasible duration, with frequent reassessment (label).

Mechanism (brief)

Benzodiazepine; positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors.

Metabolism & Half‑life

Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism
Half‑life: Single-dose range 24–48 h

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

Recommended: No

View labelExact

Monitoring highlights

Alcohol withdrawal: use a structured protocol (vitals, withdrawal scoring) and taper as symptoms resolve.
Screening for opioid co-prescribing, alcohol use, sleep apnea/COPD, and fall risk is important before prescribing.
Monitoring focuses on oversedation, ataxia, confusion, and next-day impairment—especially in older adults.
If use extends beyond a short course, documenting a gradual taper plan and monitoring for withdrawal is typical.

Sources

Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride prescribing information — DailyMed (2025)
ASAM guideline on benzodiazepines — Journal of Addiction Medicine (2020)
Evidence-based pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders — Depression and Anxiety (2014)
The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management — Journal of Addiction Medicine (2020)