CHLORAL HYDRATE
About
CHLORAL HYDRATE belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It is primarily used in the treatment of insomnia (sleeplessness). Insomnia, in simple terms, is a sleep disorder that causes difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep.
CHLORAL HYDRATE contains Chloral hydrate, which belongs to the class of hypnotics. The actual mechanism of this medicine is unknown. However, it works by increasing the activity of GABA receptors.
CHLORAL HYDRATE may cause certain side effects, such as dizziness, diarrhoea, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, double vision, and back pain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. CHLORAL HYDRATE should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid taking CHLORAL HYDRATE and inform your doctor if you develop any allergic reactions during the treatment course. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a doctor before using CHLORAL HYDRATE. Also, inform your doctor if you have any history of kidney, liver, or breathing problems, severe muscle weakness, sleep apnoea (a serious condition where breathing stops and repeatedly starts in sleep), and if you have a history of depression or mental illness.
Uses of CHLORAL HYDRATE
Medicinal Benefits
CHLORAL HYDRATE contains Chloral hydrate as an active ingredient. It is a sleeping pill used in the short-term treatment of insomnia. The exact mechanism of CHLORAL HYDRATE is unknown. But, in general, it increases the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent) that is involved in inducing sleep. Thus, it relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and helps to fall asleep.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of CHLORAL HYDRATE
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Double vision
- Back pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue receiving CHLORAL HYDRATE for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Inform your doctor if you have/had any history of kidney/liver disease, asthma or breathing problems, stomach ulcers, GERD, heart disease, porphyria, sleep apnoea, depression or mental illness before taking CHLORAL HYDRATE. It is advised to maintain a minimum of 8 8-hour time gap between taking CHLORAL HYDRATE and driving to reduce the risk of increased adverse effects. Appropriate lifestyle changes are recommended along with CHLORAL HYDRATE to improve the quality of sleep. If you notice that the tablets are not working as they did at the beginning of the treatment, please consult a doctor as you might have developed tolerance to CHLORAL HYDRATE and dose adjustment may be required. CHLORAL HYDRATE is not recommended for use in pregnant women, nursing mothers and children below 18 years of age due to the serious adverse effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: CHLORAL HYDRATE may have interaction with opioid analgesics (hydrocodone, oxycodone, naloxone, tramadol), antidepressants (sertraline, desipramine, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, escitalopram), diuretic drugs (furosemide, torsemide), anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin), and other medicines.
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase the risk of dependence, sleepwalking, or sleep-driving.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Do not take CHLORAL HYDRATE if you have severe liver disease, breathing problems, asthma, sleep apnoea (sudden stopping of breathing during sleep), kidney problems, stomach problems, and any history of depression or mental illness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol during treatment with CHLORAL HYDRATE as it may increase the risk of dependence, psychomotor impairment (slowdown of thought process and reduced physical movements), sleepwalking or sleep driving.
Pregnancy
unsafeCHLORAL HYDRATE is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving CHLORAL HYDRATE. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking CHLORAL HYDRATE as it may be excreted in breast milk.
Driving
unsafeCHLORAL HYDRATE is a controlled drug and may cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, decreased alertness, and blurred or double vision, especially the day after taking CHLORAL HYDRATE. Hence, avoid driving while on treatment with CHLORAL HYDRATE.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking CHLORAL HYDRATE. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking CHLORAL HYDRATE. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeCHLORAL HYDRATE is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not take a nap during the daytime. Set regular timings to go to bed and wake up.
- Relax yourself at least 1 hour before bedtime by taking a bath with warm water, listening to music or reading a book.
- Make the bedroom dark and quiet, and ensure that your pillows and mattresses are comfortable.
- Avoid watching TV, mobiles or laptops just before bedtime.
- Limit caffeine intake, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cola and energy drinks, as it may reduce the effectiveness of CHLORAL HYDRATE.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause dependence, sleepwalking or sleep driving.
- Do regular exercise during the daytime.
Special Advise
- If you are depressed or have had depression in the past, please inform your doctor before taking CHLORAL HYDRATE as it may increase self-harming or suicidal thoughts.
- If you notice any behavioural side effects such as delusions (false belief), nightmares, irritability, restlessness, aggressiveness, or hallucinations (hearing, feeling or seeing things that are actually not present), please contact your doctor.
- If you are allergic to any sugars, inform your doctor as CHLORAL HYDRATE contains lactose.
- CHLORAL HYDRATE is a controlled substance. Therefore, observe the patient for any suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Insomnia: It is a sleep disorder associated with problems in falling asleep or staying asleep. It may be classified as acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) in nature. Acute insomnia mainly occurs due to stress or life changes and may last from one night to a few weeks. Chronic insomnia may last from more than three nights per week to more than three months. This condition is mostly caused by depression, stress, anxiety, jet lag, shift work, uncomfortable beds, chronic illness, caffeine, nicotine or alcohol intake or due to certain medicines.
FAQs
CHLORAL HYDRATE is used to treat Insomnia (sleeplessness).
You are recommended to take CHLORAL HYDRATE just before bedtime as it helps to sleep quickly and improves the quality of sleep. If you forget to take CHLORAL HYDRATE at night, do not take it in the daytime as it may cause drowsiness, confusion and dizziness.
No, CHLORAL HYDRATE is not recommended for depression patients as it may worsen the condition and increase self-harming or suicidal thoughts. Therefore, if you are suffering from depression or have a history of depression, please inform your doctor before taking CHLORAL HYDRATE.
Yes, CHLORAL HYDRATE may cause dependence if used in high doses and for a prolonged time. The risk will be higher in patients who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
