Chloral Hydrate

Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Chloral derivative

Indications

Insomnia (short-term use).

Dosage

Adults: 5-20 mL (chloral hydrate 0.4-1.3 gm) with water or milk, at bedtime, max chloral hydrate 2 gm daily. Children: 1-12 yr: Chloral hydrate 30-50 mg/kg, max chloral hydrate 1 gm daily.

Adverse Effects

Gastric irritation (nausea and vomiting reported), abdominal distension, flatulence, headache, tolerance, dependence, excitement, delirium (especially on abrupt withdrawal), ketonuria and rash.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Severe cardiac disease; gastritis; acute porphyria. Severe hepatic or renal impairment. Precautions: Reduce dose in elderly and debilitated; avoid prolonged use (and abrupt withdrawal thereafter); avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes. Hepatic impairment.

Interactions

CNS depressants, IV furosemide, alcohol, anticoagulants, anticholinergics, psychotropics.

Advice to Patient

Take capsules with a full glass of water or juice or mix syrup in a half-glass of water, ginger ale or fruit juice. Do not take prescription medications or OTC medications especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, hypnotics during therapy without consulting prescriber. Contact prescriber if there is headache, excitation, increased sleepiness, confusion, depression, skin rash, skin irritation, nightmares, lack of sleep, chest pain, palpitations, unrelieved abdominal upset, dark stools. Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 30 mins. Duration: 4-8 hrs. Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Erythrocytes, liver and kidney. Half-life elimination: 7-11 hrs. Prolonged in neonates. Excretion: Urine (primarily). Faeces (minor amounts).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Apnotek
• Cedate
• Chloral Hydrate

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.