CHLORAL HYDRATE

Drug Name: CHLORAL HYDRATE

CHLORAL HYDRATE DESCRIPTION:
CHLORAL HYDRATE - ORAL (KLOR-ull HI-drate)

CHLORAL HYDRATE SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience headache, stomach upset, dizziness or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop confusion, nightmares, loss of coordination, fainting or yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CHLORAL HYDRATE:
CHLORAL HYDRATE: This is best taken 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime. Take capsules with a full glass of water or juice to prevent stomach upset. Swallow the capsules whole to avoid their bad taste. If using the liquid form, mix it in a glass of water or juice and drink. Use CHLORAL HYDRATE exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because CHLORAL HYDRATE can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using CHLORAL HYDRATE without your doctor's approval. When used for extended periods, CHLORAL HYDRATE may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if this medication stops working well.

CHLORAL HYDRATE USES:
CHLORAL HYDRATE is used as a sleeping aid (for insomnia).

CHLORAL HYDRATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems, history of alcohol or substance abuse, history of depression, any allergies. CHLORAL HYDRATE is intended to cause drowsiness and sleep. Avoid tasks requiring alertness such as driving. Avoid or limit consumption of alcoholic beverages. Using both at the same time may result in serious adverse effects. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of CHLORAL HYDRATE. Use cautiously. Chloral hydrate should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. CHLORAL HYDRATE is excreted into breast milk and may cause sedation (sleepiness) in a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CHLORAL HYDRATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: warfarin, anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), alcohol use, any other drugs that may make you drowsy. Chloral hydrate can give false readings with Clinitest. Instead, use Clinistix to test your urine for sugar. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CHLORAL HYDRATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include decreased pupil size, slow or fast and shallow breathing, and vomiting.

CHLORAL HYDRATE NOTES:
Do not share CHLORAL HYDRATE with others.

MISSED CHLORAL HYDRATE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

CHLORAL HYDRATE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.