Type of medicine: sedative; sleeping pill
Generic and brand names: chloral hydrate, oral; chloral hydrate, rectal; Somnote
This medicine is taken by mouth to:
It may be used for conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not use more of it or use it longer than directed. Taking too much of this medicine may become habit-forming. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually.
This medicine may come in different forms. If you have capsules, swallow them whole. Do not break or chew the capsules because that may cause stomach upset. Take the capsules with a full glass of water or fruit juice.
If you have the syrup, you can mix it with water or fruit juice. To make sure you get the right dose, use the measuring device given to you by the pharmacist (not a common kitchen spoon).
If you have suppositories, wash your hands before and after using the medicine. Remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with water. If the suppository is too soft to insert easily, run cold water over it or put it in ice water until it is firm. If it is too dry or hard, moisten it with warm water. Lie on your left side and bend your right knee up toward your chest. Gently push the suppository into your rectum deep enough so that it will not come out. Wait for a strong urge to empty your bowels before going to the bathroom. Do not take a suppository by mouth.
If you take this medicine on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing, coma, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, chills.
Your healthcare provider may want to see you regularly to check for any side effects from long-term use.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Trouble swallowing, staggering, seizures, trouble breathing, rash, itching, confusion, nightmares, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, irritability, hangover feeling.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the capsules and liquid at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Store the suppositories in a cool place. If they become too soft, put them in the refrigerator.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
