Brand name(s): Noctec, PMS-Chloral Hydrate, Somnote.
Generic name(s): Chloral Hydrate.
Street name(s), if any: Mickey Finn, Knockout Drops.
Available form(s): Oral, rectal suppository.
Available dose(s): Oral: 100mg/mL. Rectal: Unknown.
North American availability: Available in the U.S. and Canada by prescription only. Generic form in both U.S. and Canada; Noctec in the U.S. and PMS-Chloral Hydrate in Canada.
Class(es): Sedative, hypnotic.
Method(s) of action: Enhances the GABA receptor complex.
Most commonly prescribed for: Insomnia.
Also prescribed for: Minor medical/dental procedures.
Possible side effect(s): Disorientation, paranoia, incoherence, excitement, delirium, drowsiness, staggering gait, ataxia, lightheadedness, vertigo, dizziness, nightmares, malaise, mental confusion, hallucinations, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hives, erythema, eczematoid dermatitis, scarlatiniform exanthems, urticaria, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, unpleasant taste, headache, hangover, idiosyncratic syndrome, ketonuria, uneven heartbeat, fainting, shallow breathing, weakness, lack of coordination, redness or drooping of the eyelids.
Possibility of tolerance: Moderate to strong.
Addictive potential: Moderate to strong (dependent on dose).
Withdrawal potential: Moderate to strong (dependent on dose).
Withdrawal symptoms: Similar to alcohol withdrawal, including agitation, anxiety, and tremor.
Potential for abuse/misuse: Strong.
Drug interaction(s): Warfarin: Chloral Hydrate can increase the rate at which Warfarin is metabolized, thus reducing its efficiency.
Furosemide: When administered intravenously, can cause sweating, hot flashes, and variable blood pressure.
Other sedatives: Chloral Hydrate has an additive effect on other sedatives, including alcohol.
Contraindication(s): Chloral Hydrate is contraindicated in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment, severe cardiac disease, gastritis (oral form only), and in patients who have a hypersensitivity or allergy to it.
Overdose threshold: Estimates vary, but one source lists the average overdose rate as 10g (100mL). However, deaths have been reported after ingestions of just 4g, and there is at least one documented case of survival after ingestion of 30g.
Symptoms of overdose: Hypothermia, pinpoint pupils, drop in blood pressure, coma, slow or rapid and shallow breathing, vomiting, gastric necrosis, icterus, albuminuria.
