About chloral hydrate
Sedative-hypnotic
Used for
- Short-term treatment of severe insomnia
- Sedation before medical or dental procedures
Usual adult dose
Insomnia: 500 mg to 1 g by mouth at bedtime. Procedural sedation doses vary by setting.
Usual dose in children
Procedural sedation: commonly 25–50 mg/kg by mouth, maximum 1 g; specialist-supervised dosing only.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach irritation
- Confusion or unsteadiness
- Dependence and withdrawal with prolonged use
Important warnings
- Can dangerously slow breathing, especially with alcohol or other sedatives.
- Use is generally short term; prolonged use can cause dependence.
- Overdose can cause coma, breathing problems, and abnormal heart rhythms.
- Avoid driving or hazardous activities while effects persist.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly necessary; safety information is limited. Medical review is needed before use.
Breastfeeding
May cause sedation in a breastfed infant; seek medical advice before use.
Interactions
- Alcohol and opioid medicines increase sedation and breathing risks.
- Other sedatives, including benzodiazepines, can intensify its effects.
- Warfarin effects may be reduced during chloral hydrate use.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.