Chloral Hydrate Description

Generic Name: CHLORAL HYDRATE

Pronunciation: (klor al hi' drate)

Trade Name(s): Aquachloral, Noctec

Why it is prescribed: Chloral hydrate, a sedative, is used on a short-term basis to help people fall asleep and stay asleep for a proper rest. It is also used to induce sleep before surgery and other procedures and to treat alcohol withdrawal. Chloral hydrate, a sedative, is used on a short-term basis to help people fall asleep and stay asleep for a proper rest. It is also used to induce sleep before surgery and other procedures and to treat alcohol withdrawal.

When it is to be taken: Chloral hydrate should be taken just before you go to bed. You can expect to feel drowsy within 15 minutes and to fall asleep within one hour. Sound sleep should last from four to eight hours. Follow the instruction on your prescription label.

How it should be taken: Chloral hydrate comes in the form of capsules, oral liquid and rectal suppositories. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. The capsules should be taken with a full glass of water or other liquid. The oral liquid should be mixed with half a glass of water or fruit juice. To insert a suppository into the rectum, follow these steps:
1 Remove the wrapper.
2 Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
3 Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest.
4 Insert the suppository with your finger into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Special Instruction:
1. Take only the amount of drug prescribed by your doctor. Large doses may cause serious reactions. To prevent an accidental overdose, do not keep more than one dose at your bedside.
2. If you accidentally take too much, contact your doctor.
3. Chloral hydrate is habit-forming; so do not take it more often or for a longer period than as prescribed.
4. Chloral hydrate can cause drowsiness that may persist until the next day, and your coordination and alertness may be decreased.
5. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
6. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by chloral hydrate and can cause rapid heartbeat and palpitations.
7. If you have taken chloral hydrate for a while and notice that you are not falling asleep easily or staying asleep, contact your doctor.
8. Do not increase your dose.
9. If you wish to stop taking chloral hydrate, consult your doctor.
10. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually.

Side Effects:
1. Stomach upsets. Take the capsules with a full glass of water or liquid.
2. Dilute the oral liquid in at least a half glass of water or fruit juice.
3. Confusion, dizziness, difficulty breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme tiredness. Contact your doctor immediately. It may be necessary to adjust your dose.

Other Precautions:
1. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have heart, kidney, or liver disease.
2. Chloral hydrate should not be used by people who take certain drugs.
3. Before you take it, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, including sleep aids and cold remedies.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.