Chloral hydrate is used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia (difficulty sleeping), particularly when it interferes with daily living or other therapies have failed.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Chloral hydrate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine at least 15-30 minutes before bedtime.
Use the oral syringe supplied with each bottle of oral solution to measure your dose. Refer to the package insert for directions on how the oral syringe should be used. The oral solution may be taken with plenty of water or may be mixed with water, fruit juice, milk or ginger ale to minimise the unpleasant taste and stomach irritation that it may cause. Once mixed, drink it immediately.
Do not take Chloral hydrate for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe heart disease
- acute porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- active gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- active oesophagitis (inflammation of the food pipe)
- ulcer or perforation of the stomach or bowel
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Chloral hydrate may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Chloral hydrate, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Chloral hydrate if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of stomach or bowel problems
- low potassium levels in the blood
- heart problems e.g. irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- mental health problems e.g. depression, suicidal tendencies
- history of alcohol or drug abuse
- mild to moderate liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Chloral hydrate to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine test, thyroid function test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Practice good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on Chloral hydrate. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:
- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drinks include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps, especially in the late afternoon.
Chloral hydrate may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach irritation, diarrhoea, and stomach wind.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat, difficulty breathing
- feeling confused, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for sleep disorders e.g. zolpidem, melatonin
- strong painkillers e.g. morphine, oxycodone
- medicines for cold or allergy e.g. hydroxyzine, azelastine
- medicines for mood disorders
- medicines to treat depression
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- furosemide (water pill or medicine for water retention)
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Chloral hydrate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Chloral hydrate.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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