According to the instructions for use, "Chloral hydrate" refers to a group of drugs that have a strong effect on the central nervous system. The substance in question is considered the starting point for the synthesis of other organic compounds. Chloral Hydrate is the starting material for the manufacture of chloral, which is obtained by distillation of a mixture of chloral hydrate and sulfuric acid.
pharmachologic effect
The chloral hydrate solution and its tablet form have the following effects:
- sleeping pills, that is, the onset of sleep is facilitated and its sufficient duration is ensured;
- analgesic, that is, analgesia;
- anticonvulsant, that is, relief of seizures of a different nature occurs;
- soothing effect.
Only in large doses does chloral hydrate turn into a narcotic substance. A rather complex effect is exerted on the functioning of the central nervous system. This means that when doctors prescribe even small doses of drugs based on chloral hydrate, inhibitory processes are weakened. If the drug is taken in large doses, then the excitation processes in the body are reduced.
Please note that it will be dangerous enough to use too large dosages of this remedy, which are close to toxic. This is because they strongly suppress the process of excitability of nerve cells.
If we consider the effect of the drug on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, then we can see that Chloral Hydrate has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach. Therefore, his doctors prescribe exclusively in diluted form together with enveloping substances. Remember that the active substance is very quickly absorbed into the general bloodstream.
According to the instructions for use, Chloral Hydrate causes a dream that is quite similar to physiological relaxation, which occurs literally in 15 minutes. The duration of sleep is about 8 hours.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, "Chloral hydrate" is prescribed to stop the following conditions:
- mental arousal;
- convulsive syndrome in children;
- seizures with spasmophilia;
- convulsions with tetanus;
- bouts of rabies;
- outbreaks of eclampsia.
The substance is used for all kinds of studies for restless adult patients and children. A drug based on it is prescribed only in cases where the diagnosis requires a long stationary state from the patient, for example, MRI or CT.
Release form and composition
The product is also available in the form of tablets, the composition of which is different - 0.5, 0.75 and 1.5 grams of active substance. There are 10 pieces in the package.
Also in pharmacies it is proposed to purchase medicine in the form of a powder. Fine crystalline colorless powder, which consists of transparent crystals, has a pungent odor and a slightly bitter taste.
Powder and tablets dissolve quite easily in water, ethanol and ether, in chloroform. Chloral hydrate crystals have the ability to absorb moisture, and in the air this substance evaporates slowly.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use, Chloral Hydrate, doctors do not recommend to use for the treatment of those who suffer from severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys. Other contraindications to the prescription of the drug are:
- Drug or alcohol addiction.
- Intermittent porphyria (damage to the peripheral and central nervous system).
- Gastrointestinal diseases, for example, gastritis, esophagitis, peptic ulcer. This contraindication is important to observe if the drug is administered orally.
- In the case when the powder is prescribed by doctors for an enema, then with proctitis and colitis, this is not worth doing.
Pregnant women and women during lactation, the drug in question is prescribed with extreme caution. With prolonged use by newborns of chloral hydrate, withdrawal syndrome appears. The substance quickly passes into breast milk and causes a sedative effect in young children. Therefore, while using the medicine, breastfeeding stops.
Overdose
If you exceed the recommended dosage, drowsiness, general weakness, staggering, confusion may occur. In these cases, arrhythmia, hypothermia, bradycardia, as well as a noticeable disturbance in respiration and normal digestion, occur. In some cases, shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing appear.
There is no particular antidote that is used in case of overdose. In this situation, artificial respiration is maintained, gastric lavage, and blood circulation normalization. In severe poisoning, doctors carry out hemodialysis (treatment of renal failure using a special artificial kidney apparatus).
Precautions
Drug therapy based on chloral hydrate should be carried out only under the close supervision of the attending physician. The use of the drug without a prescription can only negatively affect the state of health or even lead to death. To reduce irritation of the gastric mucosa, according to the instructions for use of Chloral Hydrate, the substance is taken orally, washed down with a full (220-240 ml) glass of purified water or fruit juice. If you missed the time of taking the medicine, it is forbidden to double the dosage or take a previously missed one.
Veterinary Chloral Hydrate
This product is a domestic veterinary medicinal product that is used to calm animals during their overexcitation. According to the instructions for use, Chloral Hydrate for animals can be used in the following dosages:
- Intravenous infusion (for horses - 0.1-0.15 grams per 1 kg; for sheep and goats 0.2-0.25 grams per 1 kg; for pigs 0.15-0.2 grams per 1 kg).
- In the form of tablets (horses, rabbits, sheep, pigs 0.1 g / kg).
After using chloral hydrate, sleep in animals occurs in about 15-20 minutes. The drug is administered to animals in order to calm them and reduce convulsive syndrome. Also, the drug is used for such conditions and diseases of animals:
- overexcitation;
- poisoning;
- blockage or narrowing of the esophagus;
- spasmodic colic;
- acute flatulence;
- with tetanus;
- attempts that are accompanied by severe pain;
- prolapse of the rectum;
- with coprostasis (stagnation of feces).
Reviews of doctors and patients
Many reviews of those who have been treated with chloral hydrate drugs note that drugs are not released from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. Patients often experience vomiting with an overdose and a drop in blood pressure, so it is important to monitor the dosage of chloral hydrate. With prolonged use of drugs based on analgesics, addiction occurs.
special instructions
Quantification of chloral hydrate is carried out only by a qualified doctor. Taking the drug simultaneously with other drugs that have an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system is unacceptable.
Doctors do not recommend drinking alcohol during drug therapy. Chloral hydrate should be stored in dry places that are protected from direct sunlight at room temperature. Of course, it is important to limit children's access to the drug.
The shelf life of Chloral Hydrate is long and is 8 years.