Chloral Hydrate

Chloral Hydrate is a sleeping tablet and has been around for a very long time. Although benzodiazepine has taken over from this drug, chloral hydrate is still prescribed by doctors for the short term treatment of insomnia. It is reported this particular medication being unlike other sleeping drugs can also be given to children that suffer from sleeplessness. Chloral hydrate also losses it effectiveness very quickly, it is because of this reason that it’s not commonly prescribed as other sleeping drugs for the long term treatment of insomnia.

Chloral Hydrate is also prescribed in liquid form which has an unpleasant taste. The drug is also available in capsules. Treatment should be for the short-term only.

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Quick Guide

• Sleeping drug with danger of overdose – HIGH
• Dependency is said to be – MEDIUM
• Prescription only drug – YES
• Available as generic – YES. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of Chloral Hydrate

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Indigestion
Rare: Confusion, nightmares, Daytime Drowsiness, Headaches, Rash, Loss of Coordination, Unpleasant Taste

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

It is reported that as the body adapts it would lead to a reduction in the effects of this drug. It could also be habit-forming. The effects of this drug are mainly down to its sedative effects. However these effects usually diminish after a few days.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how this drug affects you chloral hydrate can cause daytime drowsiness. Alcohol may also increase the sedative effects of Chloral Hydrate

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

You should discuss this medication with your doctor as it’s saftey in pregnancy is not known. The drug passes in to the breast milk and may have an effect on the baby. Discuss this with your doctor.

Chloral Hydrate is classified a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60′s & Children

A reduced dose may be necessary when administered to the over 60′s. It may also be necessary to reduced the dosage in children.

Overdose

In all causes of overdose inform your doctor immediately.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Other Medication Reactions

If the patient is on anticoagulants the dosage may need to be adjusted if on Chloral Hydrate. All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the the sedative properties of this drug.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

If you have been on this medication for less than one month, it can be stopped safely as soon as you feel the need to do so. However, if you have been using this drug for longer period of time consult your doctor who will monitor a slow withdrawal from the drug. As a sudden stop of this tablet can cause serious side effects.

Effect Of Medication

Will normally take effect within 15 to 45 minutes. The lasting ability of drug is 4 to 9 hours.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.