Chloral hydrate: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Medicine Chloral Hydrate?

What is chloral hydrate for?

Chloral hydrate is a medicine used to calm you before surgery or other procedures and for the short-term treatment of insomnia. This drug belongs to a class of drugs known as hypnotics and sedatives. It works by affecting certain parts of the brain that cause calm. This medication may also be used to relieve pain after surgery and to treat alcohol withdrawal.

How to use chloral hydrate?

Follow the directions for using the drug given by your doctor or pharmacist before you start using this medicine. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 30 minutes before surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions for how much water or food you can consume before surgery.

If you are using this medication in liquid form, measure the dose using a special measuring device / spoon carefully. Don't use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose. Mix your dose with a full glass of water or another liquid (such as fruit juice, ginger ale) before using it.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on body weight.

Along with its benefits, this drug may be addictive although it is rare. This risk may increase if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Use this medication exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of addiction. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Discontinue use of medication properly when recommended.

This medicine may cause discontinuation reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, discontinuation symptoms (such as sweating, shaking, anxiety, confusion, seizures, and hallucinations) may occur if you suddenly stop using this drug. Symptoms for discontinuation of Cloral hydrate use can be severe but are rarely fatal. To prevent discontinuation reactions, your doctor may reduce the dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any discontinuation reactions

If this medicine is used for a long time, it may not work well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is chloral hydrate stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Chloral Hydrate dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of chloral hydrate for adults?

• Usual adult dose for insomnia

Chloral hydrate is a drug that can be as much as 500 mg for 1 g 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime in adults

• Usual adult dose for sedation or anesthesia

You can use 250 mg of chloral hydrate 3 times a day after meals, or. You can use 500 mg of chloral hydrate for 1 g, 30 minutes before surgery.

What is the dosage of chloral hydrate for children?

• Usual children's dosage for insomnia

For Oral and rectal (inserted into the anus):

Hypnotic is used as much as 50 mg / kg / dose at bedtime. The maximum dose should only be used as much as 1 g / dose. While the maximum total is 1 g / day for babies and 2 g / day for children

• Usual children's dose for sedation

Neonatal (newborn) for oral and rectal use:

For sedation (anesthesia) before surgery can be used 25 mg / kg. repeated doses should be used with caution because the drug and metabolites can accumulate as a result of repeated use. Toxicity has been reported after 3 days in preterm neonates and after 7 days in normal neonates receiving chloral hydrate at a dose of 40 to 50 mg / kg every 6 hours.

• Babies and Children

Oral and rectal use of chloral hydrate:

For anxiety induced anesthesia can be used as much as 25 to 50 mg / kg / day divided every 6 to 8 hours. Maximum dose: 500 mg / dose

Before EEG: 25 to 50 mg / kg / dose 30 to 60 minutes before the EEG can be repeated at 30 minutes, a maximum total of 100 mg / kg or 1 g total for infants and 2 g total for children.

Sedation or for painless surgical anesthesia: 50 to 75 mg / kg / dose 30 to 60 minutes before surgery can be repeated 30 minutes after the initial dose if needed. Maximum dose: 120 mg / kg or 1 g total for infants and 2 g total for children

In what dosage is chloral hydrate available?

Chloral hydrate is a drug that is available in the following preparations:

Capsule, oral: 500mg

Solution, oral: 500mg / 5ml

Suppositories, for rectal or rectal: 325mg, 500mg, 650mg

Chloral Hydrate side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to chloral hydrate?

Chloral hydrate is a drug that can cause some side effect reactions. If any of the following side effects occur while using Chloral hydrate, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

Less common:

• skin rash or hives

Rare happens:

• confusion
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that don't exist
• unusual excitement

Some of the side effects that can occur with Chloral hydrate are common, and may not need medical attention. As your body gets used to the medication during treatment the side effects may disappear. Your healthcare professional can also advise you on ways to reduce or prevent some side effects. If any of the following side effects persist, are bothersome or if you have any questions about these symptoms, check with a healthcare professional:

More common:

• nausea
• stomach ache
• gag

Less common:

• Awkwardness or unsteadiness
• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness

After you stop taking this drug, you may still experience side effects that need medical attention. If you experience any of the following side effects, check with your doctor immediately:

• confusion
• nausea or vomiting
• Twitter
• anxiety
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that don't exist
• stomach ache
• trembling
• unusual excitement

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Chloral Hydrate Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using chloral hydrate?

Chroral hydrate is a drug that can cause several medical conditions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if one of the following conditions:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• if you are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, herbs, or dietary supplements
• if you have an allergy to drugs, food, or other substances
• if you have inflammation of the esophagus, ulcers, blood disorders (for example, porphyria), or you have a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse or dependence

Some DRUGS MAY INTERACT with Cloral hydrate. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, especially any of the following:

• arsenic antagonists, cisapride, dofetilide, or H1 (eg, astemizol, tertenadine) because side effects, such as serious heart problems, can occur
• barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital), paraldehyde, or sodium oxybate (GHB) as the side effects of these drugs can be increased
• loop diuretics (eg furosemide) due to unexpected side effects, such as rapid heart rate and changes in blood pressure may occur
• anticoagulants (eg warfarin) due to performance and side effects may be altered by Chloral hydrate

This list may not be a complete list of all possible interactions. Ask your doctor if chloral hydrate might interact with other medicines you are taking. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Is chloral hydrate safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions of Chloral Hydrate

What medicines may interact with chloral hydrate?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

Can food or alcohol interact with chloral hydrate?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with chloral hydrate?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Chloral Hydrate overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.