Proper Use of This Medicine

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is used, it may become habit-forming.

For patients taking chloral hydrate capsules :

• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew since the medicine may cause an unpleasant taste.
• Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or ginger ale to lessen stomach upset.

For patients taking chloral hydrate syrup :

• Take each dose of medicine mixed with clear liquid, such as water, apple juice, or ginger ale. This will help to improve flavor and lessen stomach upset.

For patients using chloral hydrate rectal suppositories :

• If the suppository is too soft to insert, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper.
• To insert suppository-First remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with cold water. Lie down on your side and use your finger to push the suppository well up into the rectum.

Dosing—The dose of chloral hydrate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of chloral hydrate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

This medicine comes in different strengths. 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.

The number of capsules or teaspoonfuls of syrup that you take, or suppositories that you use, depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using chloral hydrate .

• For oral dosage form (capsules or syrup):
  • For trouble in sleeping or sedation before surgery:
    • Adults—500 to 1000 milligrams (mg) taken thirty minutes before bedtime or surgery.
  • For daytime sedation:
    • Adults—250 mg taken three times a day after meals.
  • For sedation before a dental or medical procedure:
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 50 mg per kilogram (kg) (23 mg per pound) of body weight.
  • For sedation before an electroencephalograph (EEG) test:
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 25 mg per kg (11 mg per pound) of body weight.
• For rectal dosage form (suppositories):
  • For trouble in sleeping:
    • Adults—500 to 1000 mg at bedtime.
  • For daytime sedation:
    • Adults—325 mg three times a day.
  • For sedation before a dental or medical procedure:
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 50 mg per kg (23 mg per pound) of body weight.
  • For sedation before an electroencephalograph (EEG) test:
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 25 mg per kg (11 mg per pound) of body weight.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose of chloral hydrate is especially dangerous in children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the capsule form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the syrup form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.