Clistar Strip Of 10 Tablets

Clistar Tab is a prescription medication. It is used to manage abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). It is a combination of three medications, chlordiazepoxide, clidinium, dicycloverine/dicyclomine.

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is a functional disorder, characterised by abdominal discomfort/pain with alteration of bowel habits(diarrhoea or constipation) in the absence of any other causative agent. The exact cause of IBS is not known, but multiple factors like gut immunity, psychological stress, the kind of food consumed, and brain-gut interaction are indicated in IBS. Patients present with abdominal bloating, crampy abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation.

Clidinium and dicyclomine are antispasmodics, and chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine. The combination of the actions of these medicines helps relieve the symptoms of IBS. The medication should be taken only after consulting a doctor.

It should not be abruptly discontinued. For optimal pharmacological effects, taking the tablet at the same time every day is advisable.

Dosage

Overdose

In the event of an overdose of Clistar Tablet, the patient may exhibit symptoms like sedation, seizure, coma, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, dilated pupils, dry mouth, and difficulty in passing urine or stools. It can even lead to severe respiratory depression, liver failure, kidney failure, coma, and even death. In case of a suspected overdose of Clistar Tab, immediately rush the patient to the nearest tertiary care centre for emergency management, as it is life-threatening.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose of Clistar Tablet, it is advised to take it as soon as you recall. If the gap is too long, and it is almost time for the next dose, take the scheduled dose and skip the dose you have missed. Do not take a double dose of Clistar Tab.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Clidinium and dicyclomine are anticholinergic agents that essentially act on the nerve endings in smooth muscles to cause muscle relaxation. A neurotransmitter called acetylcholine acts as a chemical messenger between nerves and smooth muscles. The release of acetylcholine causes the muscle to contract. This medicine blocks the action of this neurotransmitter, hence, acting as an antispasmodic. These agents particularly work on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, relieving spasms of the intestine. Clidinium also decreases secretions in the GI tract. Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines. It increases the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) to produce sedating and calming effects in users.

Directions for Use

• Clistar Tablet should be taken as prescribed by the treating physician.
• It is recommended to take Clistar Tab on a regular schedule. Taking the tablet at the same time every day is advisable to get the optimal effects and reduce the chances of side effects.
• Swallow Clistar Tab as a whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Abruptly discontinuing this medicine can cause withdrawal side effects. Consult your doctor before stopping this medication.
• Driving and using heavy machinery are not advised while using this medication.
• Inform your doctor regarding other medications you may be taking in order to review and prevent any drug interaction associated effects.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Clistar Tablet during pregnancy?

No, Clistar Tab is a Category D medicine. It should not be taken if you are pregnant, or intend to conceive. Consult your doctor, and inform them about your health status.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Clistar Tablet while breastfeeding?

Clistar Tablet is generally not advised while breastfeeding. Discuss your breastfeeding status with your doctor for more information.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Clistar Tablet?

Driving and operating heavy machinery while on Clistar medication is not recommended as it may cause sedation and drowsiness.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with the Clistar Tab?

Alcohol consumption while on Clistar is contraindicated. Mixing alcohol with this medication may cause increased sedation, respiratory depression, coma and even death.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are taking any other medications. This tablet interacts with many other medications that use the same metabolic enzymes.
• You experience any discomfort or sudden mood changes.
• You conceive during the course of Clistar Tab or are planning pregnancy.

Contraindications

• If you have hypersensitivity to chlordiazepoxide, clidinium, dicyclomine and any other ingredients in this tablet.
• If you have angle-closure glaucoma.
• If you have any cardiovascular conditions. This medicine can worsen your condition.
• If you have prostate enlargement, urinary retention, and other obstructive urinary issues.
• If you have been diagnosed with lung disorders like respiratory failure, sleep apnea and other conditions of respiratory insufficiency.
• If you have liver dysfunction.
• If you have myasthenia gravis.
• If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, reflux esophagitis, and obstructive gastrointestinal conditions.
• Clistar Tablet is not suitable for children under 6 years of age and those over 75 years (65 if there are underlying comorbidities).

Side effects

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Blurring of vision
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Impaired balance
• Impaired memory
• Long-term use of benzodiazepines can cause tolerance and dependence.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Clistar Tab should not be used with alcohol or other CNS depressants (like opioids), as this can be life-threatening.
• Clistar Tab should not be mixed with other benzodiazepines.
• Avoid using antacids with Clistar Tab. It decreases the absorption of Clistar.
• The concomitant use of Clistar Tab with anti-glaucoma agents decreases the efficacy of the latter, increasing intraocular pressure.
• The use of this medication with atropine-like substances can worsen side effects like urinary retention, glaucoma, constipation, dry mouth, etc.

Interactions with food items

• Clistar Tablet does not have any specific interaction with any food. Follow diet restrictions suggested by the doctor.

Storage and disposal

Store Clistar Tab in a cool and dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Do not use Clistar Tab post the date of expiration. Keep the tablets away from children and pets. Do not flush Clistar Tablets down the toilet. Dispose of it with biomedical waste only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I have been experiencing abdominal cramps for a few weeks. Can I take Clistar Tablet?

Clistar Tab is a prescription medication and should only be taken as recommended by your doctor. See your doctor for a complete evaluation and appropriate treatment for your symptoms.

I have had difficulty with passing urine since starting Clistar Tab. Is this normal?

Clistar Tablet is known to cause urinary retention and increased urgency. If you are experiencing any new symptoms after starting this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.

My elderly father has irregular bowel movements with cramps. He also has diabetes. Can I give him Clistar?

Clistar Tablet needs to be given with specific precautions in persons over 65 years of age with comorbidities. There can be multiple causes of irregular bowel movements at this age. It is advisable to consult a doctor for a checkup prior to starting treatment