Chloral Hydrate = Noctec

INDICATIONS AND USE: Short-term sedative and hypnotic; central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

DOSAGE: PO, PR. Use the lowest effective dose.

• Usual dose 25–50 mg/kg/dose PO or PR every 6–8 hours as needed.

• Sedation prior to electroencephalography and other procedures: 25–75 mg/kg/dose once PO or PR. Typical

dose: 50 mg/kg/dose once; repeat 25 mg/kg/dose once if needed.

ADVERSE EFFECTS: Gastrointestinal irritation resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; paradoxic excitation;

and respiratory depression, particularly if administered with opiates and barbiturates. May cause direct hyperbilirubinemia

with chronic use (active metabolite 2,2,2-trichloroethanol [TCE]); competes with bilirubin for

glucuronide conjugation in the liver); overdose can be lethal.

COMMENTS: Contraindicated with marked renal or hepatic impairment. Syrup may contain sodium benzoate;

benzoic acid (benzoate) is a metabolite of benzyl alcohol.