Category

• Sedative-hypnotic

Description

Chloral hydrate (KLOR-al HYE-drate) belongs to the group of medicines called sedatives and hypnotics. It is sometimes used before surgery or certain procedures to relieve anxiety or tension or to produce sleep. If your child is to take this medicine before a dental or medical procedure, it should be given to the child only at the health care facility where the procedure is to be done. This will allow the health care professional to monitor your child.

Chloral hydrate has been used in the treatment of insomnia (trouble in sleeping) and to help calm or relax patients who are nervous or tense. However, this medicine has generally been replaced by other medicines for the treatment of insomnia and nervousness or tension.

Chloral hydrate has also been used with analgesics (pain medicine) for control of pain following surgery. However, this medicine has generally been replaced by other medicines for control of pain following surgery.

Chloral hydrate comes in different strengths. Serious problems, including deaths, have occurred when children were given the wrong strength. Make sure your doctor has told your pharmacist both how many milligrams (mg) and how many capsules, teaspoonfuls, or suppositories should be used . This information is needed to be sure the right amount is given.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Syrup (U.S. and Canada)

Rectal
• Suppositories (U.S.)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Aquachloral Supprettes

In Canada—

• Novo-Chlorhydrate
• PMS-Chloral Hydrate

Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.