Drug Class Description
Hypnotics.Generic Name
Generic IMPORTANT: Chloral Mixture, BP differs from Chloral Syrup BPC 1968 which contains 20 per cent (1g in 5 mL; dose: 2.5 - 10 mL, taken well diluted with water at bedtime).Presentation
Chloral Mixture, BP (Chloral Oral Solution), chloral hydrate 10 per cent in a suitable vehicle. Extemporaneous preparations should be recently prepared according to the following formula: chloral hydrate 1g, syrup 2mL, water to 10mL. Chloral Elixir, Paediatric, BP (Chloral Oral Solution, Paediatric) chloral hydrate 4 per cent in a suitable vehicle with a blackcurrant flavour. Extemporaneous preparations should be recently prepared according to the following formula: chloral hydrate 200mg, water 0.1mL, blackcurrant syrup 1mL, syrup to 5mL.Indications
Insomnia (short-term use).
Adult Dosage
Chloral Oral Solution: 5 - 20 mL Chloral Oral Solution: 5 - 20 mL at bedtime.Child Dosage
Chloral Oral Solution: 1 - 5 years 2.5 - 5 mL, 6 - 12 years 5 - 10 mL, taken well diluted with water at bedtime Chloral Elixir, Paediatric, BP: up to 1 year 5 mL, taken well diluted with water at bedtimeContra Indications
Cardiac disease, renal impairment, hepatic impairment, gastritis. Pregnancy and lactation.Special Precautions
History of drug or alcohol abuse. Respiratory disease. Risk of dependence with long-term use. Reduce dose in elderly and debilitated.Adverse Reactions
GI effects including nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension and flatulence. Also, vertigo, ataxia, light headedness, headache, rashes, malaise, nightmares, delirium. Haematological disturbances including eosinophilia and reduced white blood cell count. Dependence on prolonged use.
Drug Availability
(POM)Updated
29 June 2009