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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 Chloral Hydrate 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 However, Chloral Hydrate has generally been replaced by other medicines for the treatment of insomnia and nervousness or tension.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 However, Chloral Hydrate has generally been replaced by other medicines for control of pain following surgery.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. Chloral Hydrate 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.) Chloral Hydrate, a sedative, is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia (to help you fall asleep and stay asleep for a proper rest) and to relieve anxiety and induce sleep before surgery. It is also used after surgery for pain and to treat alcohol withdrawal. Chloral Hydrate is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Chloral Hydrate comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth and as a suppository to insert rectally. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Chloral Hydrate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The liquid should be added to a half glass of water, fruit juice, or ginger ale and you should drink it immediately. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water or fruit juice; do not chew the capsule. To use the suppository, follow these steps: Remove the wrapper. Dip the tip of the suppository in water. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.) Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments. Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume your normal activities. Chloral Hydrate can be habit-forming; do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Continue to take Chloral Hydrate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Chloral Hydrate without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. Brand names: - Aquachloral Supprettes - Chloral Hydrate - Novo-Chlorhydrate - PMS-Chloral Hydrate |