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Chloral Hydrate

  • Treatment should be for the short-term only.
  • Avoid stopping taking chloral hydrate suddenly - stopping treatment abruptly may cause an acute state of confusion.

About chloral hydrate

Type of medicine Hypnotic
Used for Short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Also called Welldorm
Available as Tablets
Elixir
Mixture

Chloral Hydrate works by decreasing the time taken to fall asleep and increasing the length of time spent sleeping.

Before taking chloral hydrate

Before taking chloral hydrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from breathing difficulties.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a group of blood disorders).
  • If you suffer from stomach problems.
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have ever suffered from problems with drug or alcohol addiction.

How to take chloral hydrate

  • Liquid forms should be taken as directed, very well diluted with water.
  • Tablets should be taken as directed, with water or milk.
  • Chloral hydrate is usually taken at bedtime.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Treatment should be for the short-term only.
  • Important: Avoid stopping taking chloral hydrate suddenly - stopping treatment abruptly may cause an acute state of confusion.

Can chloral hydrate cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink small amounts of liquid frequently.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Lightheadedness, drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.

Other possible side effects are bloating, excess wind, confusion, rash, excitement or nightmares.

How to store chloral hydrate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3518		 DocRef:
dils2871		 Last Updated:
4 Feb 2008		 Date of Next Review:
3 Feb 2010		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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