An antispasmodic, usually combined with chlordiazepoxide for gut spasm
Clidinium
An antispasmodic, usually combined with chlordiazepoxide, used to ease gut cramping and spasm.
What is Clidinium?
Clidinium is an antimuscarinic medicine that relaxes the muscle in the gut wall, easing cramping and spasm. It is usually given as a combination tablet with chlordiazepoxide, a calming medicine, and is used for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome where spasm and anxiety play a part. Because it is an antimuscarinic, it commonly causes a dry mouth, blurred vision and difficulty passing urine. Importantly, the combination contains a benzodiazepine, so it can cause drowsiness and, with longer use, dependence, which is why it is used for the shortest helpful time.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Clidinium — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Clidinium is an antimuscarinic, a type of medicine that calms muscle spasm in the gut. It is usually prescribed as a fixed combination with chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine that has a calming effect, with the idea of easing both the gut spasm and the tension that can go with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. It is taken by mouth as a capsule or tablet. Because the combination includes a benzodiazepine, it is used carefully and usually only for a short time.
How it works
Clidinium blocks signals that tell the muscle in the gut wall to contract, which relaxes that muscle and eases the cramping and spasm that cause pain. The chlordiazepoxide part of the combination works on the nervous system to reduce anxiety and tension, which can contribute to gut symptoms in some people. Together they aim to settle both the physical spasm and the stress component. Because the antimuscarinic action affects more than just the gut, it can also dry up secretions and slow other muscles, which explains its typical side effects.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic / branded combination.
A medicine used to ease gut spasm and cramping, usually combined with chlordiazepoxide, for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
What it treats
Conditions Clidinium is used for
Practical use
How to take Clidinium
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it by mouth as prescribed, usually before meals and at bedtime as directed.
- Use it for the shortest time that helps, because the benzodiazepine part can cause dependence with longer use.
- Do not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you, as it can cause drowsiness.
- Avoid alcohol, which adds to the drowsiness from the combination.
- Do not stop it suddenly after prolonged use; ask your prescriber how to reduce it gradually.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Clidinium
Advantages
- Eases gut cramping and spasm by relaxing the muscle in the gut wall.
- The calming chlordiazepoxide part may help when tension contributes to symptoms.
- Taken by mouth and used for short courses.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and difficulty passing urine.
- The benzodiazepine part causes drowsiness and can lead to dependence with longer use.
- Unsuitable for several conditions, including glaucoma and an enlarged prostate.
Practical use
Good to know
There are two main things to understand about this medicine. First, the antimuscarinic part commonly causes a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and difficulty passing urine, and it can be unsuitable for people with glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or certain bowel and bladder problems. Second, and very importantly, the combination contains a benzodiazepine (chlordiazepoxide), which can cause drowsiness, can make driving and using machinery unsafe, and can lead to dependence if used for too long, so it is generally used for the shortest helpful period and not stopped abruptly after prolonged use. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and should be avoided. Because of these issues, it tends to be used selectively and under medical guidance rather than as a routine first choice.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to either ingredient should not take it.
- It is avoided in people with certain types of glaucoma, an enlarged prostate causing urinary problems, or some bowel and bladder blockages.
- It is used with great caution, or avoided, in people with a history of dependence, severe breathing problems or significant liver problems.
Monitoring
- Reviewing how well symptoms are controlled and whether continued use is needed.
- Watching for excessive drowsiness, confusion or signs of dependence.
- Checking for antimuscarinic problems such as urinary retention, especially in older people.
Side effects
- Dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation from the antimuscarinic effect.
- Difficulty passing urine, especially in older men.
- Drowsiness, confusion or unsteadiness from the benzodiazepine, particularly in older people.
- With longer use, tolerance and dependence on the benzodiazepine part.
Key interactions
- Alcohol and other sedating medicines add to drowsiness and should be used with great care.
- Other antimuscarinic medicines can add to dry mouth, constipation and urinary problems.
- Tell your prescriber about all your medicines, including those for sleep, anxiety or pain.
Available as: Capsules or tablets taken by mouth, usually as a combination with chlordiazepoxide.
Answers
Clidinium: frequently asked questions
What is clidinium used for?
It is an antispasmodic, usually combined with chlordiazepoxide, used to ease gut cramping and spasm in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Why does it dry my mouth?
Clidinium is an antimuscarinic, which dries up secretions as well as relaxing gut muscle, so dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation are common.
Can it be addictive?
The combination contains a benzodiazepine (chlordiazepoxide), which can cause dependence with longer use, so it is used for the shortest helpful time.
Can I drink alcohol with it?
It is best to avoid alcohol, as it adds to the drowsiness caused by the benzodiazepine part of the combination.
Can I stop it suddenly?
After prolonged use you should not stop suddenly, as the benzodiazepine part can cause withdrawal; ask your prescriber how to reduce it gradually.
The wider class
About Antimuscarinic antispasmodic (combined with chlordiazepoxide)
Clidinium belongs to the antimuscarinic antispasmodic (combined with chlordiazepoxide) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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