Chloral Hydrate

Drug #156

Chloral Hydrate is a trichlorinated derivative of acetaldehyde that is converted to trichloroethanol in the body. A hypnotic and is used as a sleeping aid to improve sleep disturbances. It has also been used in the treatment of eclampsia and tetanus.

← Previous drug Next drug →

Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Chloroethane.

It belongs to Hypnotic pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in sedative pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 165.4 · pK_a: 10 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 0.3 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 0.2 · Non-proprietary name: Chloral Hydrate.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Chloral Hydrate has a volume of distribution is 0.61 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 35-94%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via hepatic, plasma half-life is 4-5 min, renal excretion is 12%.

Indications

Chloral Hydrate is primarily indicated in conditions like Insomnia, Postoperative sedation, Pre-operative sedation.

Chloral Hydrate is also indicated for secondary conditions like Nausea, vertigo, labyrinthine disorders.

Contraindications

Chloral Hydrate is contraindicated in conditions like Renal failure, Gastritis, Hepatic failure, Porphyria, Cardiac disease.

Dosage

Chloral Hydrate's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1.25 mg	1.25 mg	Every 24h	PO	Usually taken 30 min before bed time
250 mg	250 mg	Every 3h	PO	should be taken with plenty of water & milk (max of 2g).
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0.75 g	0.75 g	Every 8h	Oral	12 year to 18 year up to 100mg/kg maximum of 3 g may be used with respiratiry monitrng.
40 mg/kg	40 mg/kg	Every 8h	Oral	1 month to 12 year maximum single dose of 1g
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
40 mg/kg	40 mg/kg	Every 8h	oral	up to 100mg/kg maximum of 3 g may be used with respiratiry monitrng.

Drug Interactions

Unknown3 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Chloral Hydrate in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Bradycardia , Eosinophilia , Eosinophilia , Liver cirrhosis , CNS depression, Hypoprothorombinemia, Hepatic encephalopathy exacerbation.

Chloral Hydrate produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hepatic coma, Drowsiness , Semicoma . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Chloral Hydrate are Cardiac arrhythmias, Convulsions , Jaundice , Respiratory depression, Respiratory depression, Jaundice, Slurred speech, Respiratory depression.

Chloral Hydrate is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Ataxia, Confusion, Disorientation, Drowsiness, Gastric irritation, Hallucination , Headache, Hypersensitivity , Nightmares, Pain , Skin RashX.

Warnings / Precautions

Patients should observe caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, because it may cause drowsiness. Do not use chloral hydrate in larger doses in patients with severe cardiac disease. Exercise caution in administering to patients prone to addiction. It should be used with caution (if contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity, because may produced allergic reaction (including bronchial asthma).

Interference in Pathology

Chloral Hydrate may interfere in the diagnosis of Assay of Glucose (Benedics Test), Steroids and Urea .

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Syrup

0.5 mg/5ml 500 m/5ml 500 mg/5ml

Storage Conditions

Chloral Hydrate should be stored Suppositories, Caps. Syrup.

Drug Classification

1.1.3 — preoperative medication and sedation
2.24.3 — Drugs used in anxiety and sleep disorders

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Chloral Hydrate in Pakistan:

Euro Martin Specific