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Chloral Hydrate
|
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
|
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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