About clomethiazole edisilate
Sedative-hypnotic; thiamine analogue
Used for
- Short-term treatment of severe restlessness or confusion in older people.
- Supervised treatment of alcohol withdrawal, including delirium tremens.
- Short-term treatment of severe insomnia in some countries.
Usual adult dose
Varies by use and country; alcohol withdrawal dosing is individualized in hospital. Insomnia courses are brief.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Nasal or throat irritation and increased mucus.
- Nausea or stomach discomfort.
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use.
Important warnings
- Can dangerously slow or stop breathing, especially with alcohol or other sedatives.
- May cause confusion, falls, or profound sedation, particularly in older adults.
- Use for alcohol withdrawal requires close medical supervision.
- Prolonged use can cause dependence; abrupt stopping may cause withdrawal.
Pregnancy
Generally avoided unless a clinician considers it essential; human safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
May pass into breast milk and sedate the infant; generally avoided during breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Alcohol increases sedation and breathing suppression.
- Opioids and benzodiazepines can cause severe respiratory depression when combined.
- Other sedatives, sleeping medicines, or antipsychotics may increase drowsiness.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.