Brand Names

How to Use

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

For diseaseds taking chloral hydrate capsules :

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

For diseaseds taking chloral hydrate syrup :

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

For diseaseds 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.

Dosage

This drug comes in various strengths Make sure your family doctor has told your pharmacist both how many milligrams - mg and how many capsules, teaspoonfuls, or suppositories must be using . 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 drug. Always the number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses and the length of time you use the drug 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 family 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 family 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 family 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 family 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 drug, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

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• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed.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