Chloral hydrate Side Effects
Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2023.
Applies to chloral hydrate: capsule liquid filled, suppository, syrup.
Serious side effects of Chloral hydrate
Along with its needed effects, chloral hydrate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking chloral hydrate:
Less common
- Skin rash or hives
Rare
- Confusion
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- unusual excitement
Other side effects of Chloral hydrate
Some side effects of chloral hydrate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Less common
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- diarrhea
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- drowsiness
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
- Confusion
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- restlessness
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- stomach pain
- trembling
- unusual excitement
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to chloral hydrate: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral syrup, rectal suppository.
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Torsades de pointes, hypotension, ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, depression of myocardial contractility, shortening of refractory period[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Scarlatiniform exanthema, erythematous rash, urticaria, purpura, eczema, bullous lesions, erythema multiforme[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, diarrhea, stomach pain, unpleasant taste, flatulence, ileus[Ref]
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported: Ketonuria[Ref]
Hematologic
Frequency not reported: Leucopenia, eosinophilia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Allergic skin reactions, angioedema[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Porphyria[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Headache, unusual/paradoxical excitement, drowsiness, residual sedation/hangover, somnambulism, disorientation, incoherence, delirium, staggering gait, ataxia, lightheadedness, vertigo, dizziness, confusion, coma[Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Ptosis, allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Tolerance, hypothermia, malaise, fever, middle ear pressure[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Paranoia, hallucinations, nightmares[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression, laryngeal edema, respiratory obstruction[Ref]
More about chloral hydrate
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (20)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
2. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
4. (1995) "PDR Generics." Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.