chlordiazepoxide

chlor·di·az·e·pox·ide   (klôr'dī-āz'ə-pŏk'sīd', klōr'-)    n.  A benzodiazepine drug, C16H14ClN3O, whose hydrochloride is used as an antianxiety drug and in the treatment of chronic alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal. [chlor(o)- + (benzo)diazep(ine) + oxide.]

Main Entry: chlor·di·az·epox·ide
Pronunciation: "klOr-dI-"az-&-'päk-"sId, "klor-
Function: noun
: a benzodiazepineC₁₆H₁₄ClN₃O structurally and pharmacologically related to diazepam that is used in the form of its hydrochloride especially as a tranquilizer and to treat thewithdrawal symptoms of alcoholism —see LIBRIUM

chlordiazepoxide

tranquilizing drug used in the treatment of anxiety. The drug was introduced in the 1960s under several trade names, including Libritabs (the original base) and Librium (the hydrochloride salt). Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a group of chemically related compounds called benzodiazepines. Administered orally or by injection, it can be used as a sedative to relieve anxiety either before or after surgery, to control anxiety associated with acute alcohol withdrawal, and to treat panic disorders. Among the most common side effects are drowsiness, confusion, and an inability to control voluntary muscular movements. Prolonged use may lead to physical dependence.

Learn more about chlordiazepoxide with a free trial on Britannica.com.