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Anticholinergic and Benzodiazepine combination

This medication is a combination of chlordiazepoxiide hydrochloride (a benzodiazepine) and clidinium bromide (an anticholinergic). It is used to manage emotional and physical factors in digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcers.

How it worksThe drug works by blocking certain receptors in the body (M1 and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors) to reduce muscle spasms and calm emotional triggers in the gut.

Brand names:QUARZAN

Used for
Controlling emotional and physical factors in gastrointestinal disordersSupporting treatment for peptic ulcersTreating irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon, mucous colitis)Treating acute entero-colitis
Conditions
Gastrointestinal disordersPeptic ulcerIrritable bowel syndromeSpastic colonMucous colitisAcute entero-colitis
Class
AnticholinergicBenzodiazepineAnticholinergic and Benzodiazepine combinationGastrointestinalCentral Nervous System

How to take

FormsOral capsule
RoutesOral

The dose is customized for each person. Usually, it is taken 1 or 2 capsules, 3 or 4 times a day before meals and at bedtime.

Do not stop taking this drug suddenly; your doctor will help you lower the dose gradually to prevent withdrawal.

Key warnings

Combining this medication with opioids (painkillers) can lead to extreme sleepiness, dangerous breathing problems, coma, or death. There is also a high risk of abuse, misuse, addiction, and physical dependence.

  • ·Combining this medication with opioids (painkillers) can lead to extreme sleepiness, dangerous breathing problems, coma, or death. There is also a high risk of abuse, misuse, addiction, and physical dependence.
  • ·Risk of severe breathing depression when used with opioids
  • ·Risk of addiction, misuse, and abuse
  • ·Risk of withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
  • ·Avoid use if you have glaucoma or certain bladder obstructions

Do not use if

  • ·Glaucoma
  • ·Enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy)
  • ·Bladder neck obstruction
  • ·Known allergy to chlordiazepoxiide or clidinium bromide

Side effects

Common

DrowsinessConfusionLoss of coordination (ataxia)ConstipationNauseaDry mouth

Serious

  • ·Severe breathing problems (respiratory depression)
  • ·Extreme sedation or coma
  • ·Fainting (syncopy)
  • ·Skin rashes
  • ·Liver issues or jaundice
  • ·Changes in blood cell counts

Seek help if

  • ·Difficulty breathing
  • ·Extreme sleepiness
  • ·Signs of allergic reaction

Interactions

  • ·Opioid pain medications (increases risk of breathing problems)
  • ·Other anticholinergics like Detrol, Oxytrol, or Urecholine
  • ·Oral blood thinners (may rarely affect how well they work)
FoodIt is recommended to take the capsules before meals.

Special populations

PregnancyUsing benzodiazepines during later pregnancy may cause babies to experience sedation or withdrawal symptoms after birth. There is limited data on clidinium bromide during pregnancy.

BreastfeedingThere is no data on how much of this drug passes into breast milk, but other similar drugs have caused poor feeding and weight gain in infants.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of this drug in children have not been established.

GeriatricOlder adults are more likely to feel drowsy, confused, or lose their balance. Doctors usually start elderly patients on a very low dose.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

  • ·Breathing patterns
  • ·Level of sedation
  • ·Signs of addiction or misuse
  • ·Confusion or dizziness

Questions to ask

  • ·How will this drug interact with my other medications?
  • ·What is the lowest effective dose for me?
  • ·How can I avoid withdrawal symptoms if I need to stop?
  • ·Is it safe for my specific eye or bladder condition?

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose can cause extreme sleepiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Symptoms may involve both the sedative and anticholinergic parts of the drug.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

corn starchlactose monohydratetalcD&C yellow - 10FD&C blue - 1gelatinsodium lauryl sulfatetitanium dioxideblack iron oxidepotassium hydroxideshellac

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.