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Clomethiazole


  • Clomethiazole is only used for short periods of treatment.
  • 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. Avoid alcohol.
  • If you start to feel breathless, turn pale and feel like fainting contact your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.

About clomethiazole

Type of medicine Hypnotic
Used for Insomnia
Restlessness and agitation
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics
Also called Heminevrin
Chlormethiazole
Available as Capsules
Syrup

Clomethiazole is used to treat severe insomnia (being unable to get to sleep), restlessness and agitation in elderly patients. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in alcoholics.

Before taking clomethiazole

Before taking clomethiazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.
  • If you are being treated for alcohol withdrawal symptoms and have started to drink alcohol again.
  • If you have ever had a problem with drug dependence.

How to take clomethiazole

  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • Clomethiazole capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed.
  • Do not stop taking your clomethiazole without consulting your doctor.
  • Try to take clomethiazole at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of clomethiazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you even if it is empty.
  • Clomethiazole is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before taking "over-the-counter" medicines check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside clomethiazole.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
  • Clomethiazole is only used for short periods of treatment so that the body does not become used to it.
  • 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.

Can clomethiazole 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.

Blocked or stuffy nose, chestiness, itchy or sore nose, itchy or sore eyes, headache, excitement and confusion, feeling or being sick, tummy upset, skin rash or itching.

Important: If you start to feel breathless, turn pale and feel like fainting contact your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible

How to store clomethiazole

  • 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3820		 DocRef:
dils3833		 Last Updated:
16 Mar 2007		 Date of Next Review:
15 Mar 2009		 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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