Before taking clomethiazole

Before taking clomethiazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have heart, liver or kidney problems.
• If you have breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.
• If you have sleep apnoea syndrome which is where your breathing is interrupted when you are asleep.
• If you have ever had a problem with drug dependence or misuse.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take clomethiazole

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take clomethiazole exactly as you have been directed. Your doctor will tell you when to take the capsules and for how long.
• Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.
• These capsules should only be taken for a short period of time. This is because your body can become dependent on clomethiazole which causes withdrawal problems when you then stop taking it.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Clomethiazole can cause drowsiness and light-headedness, which can continue into the next day. 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.
• Do not drink alcohol during treatment with clomethiazole.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking clomethiazole.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside clomethiazole.

Can clomethiazole cause problems

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store clomethiazole

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

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.