Does anyone know about this old med called chloral hydrate. The dR. prescribed it for sleep. It came in a liquid. I went on the internet and it said to take it with one glass of water or juice. The bottle said to take with plenty of water. I mixed some cranberry juice with the full glass of water. When I took 1 and 2 teaspoons it was OK but didn't help me sleep. I was supposed to take 3- 4 teaspoons as directed but started lower.
then when I took 3 teaspoons - I felt like my throat was on fire and my lips were burning after a third of the glass. Spilled it out. That as 3 days ago and my throat and lips still hurt and burn. Oh - I also have a slight headache ever since.
Mrs. D. - know anything about this? I called the pharmacist and he has no idea what happened/
Thanks.
Sydney

Well, I had to brush quite a few cobwebs aside for this question!

Chloral hydrate is not used much anymore. As a matter of fact, it was off the market for a while. Then a small group of patients, convinced a generic house
to make it in liquid. Some people and children still use it before certain
medical procedures, etc.

I have never seen an adult take 4 teaspoonfuls of this.
The liquid can cause gastric upset, and it is advised to take with
fluid, and perhaps cranberry is too acidic for that.

People can have reactions to chloral hydrate..upset stomach etc. So it must
have a local irritating potential.

I do think your dose is weird... you should investigate THAT first, IMO.
This website has information, including "a caustic taste"...
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/chloralhyd.htm

This product is often used in tube feeding/administration, but even then not frequently. It is so unpredictable, and often does not sedate completely.
It has not been used for sleeping in "eons"...!!!

Sorry to be late getting back to you... the cobwebs were DENSE!

Some important things with Chloral Hydrate in liquid form...

The dose will be prescribed depending on your weight.
and
That dose will also depend on the strength of the actual solution. (although there is probably a standard)
and
The dose is also dependent on how many times a day you take it... meaning, if you take more than one dose, the dose amount might be lower but spread across the 24 hrs.

A teaspoon here is 5 mls.. In some places a teaspoon is a different measurement. If you know or find out the measurement of a teaspoon where you live, it's a better idea to buy a medicine glass and use that. Using teaspoons when taking those types of medicines is a little *iffy* for want of a better word. You really need to take an exact dose.

Chloral Hydrate was removed from market here too some years ago because of concerns with abuse, but I think they rescheduled it and it's used once again but not all that often here. It's seen more in Pediatrics for certain conditions and certain procedures. I've also often seen it mentioned on Child Neurology Forums actually, but recall quite varying results, but that was in children.

It also shouldn't be taken if you're already taking anticoagulants.
I found a site somewhere yesterday where it suggested that if it affects the throat or mouth mucosa then to take food after drinking it with the glass of juice or water. Another site said to take milk after it. I raced offline in a hurry and didn't save those 2 references, but can find them later if you want.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-8629...l+Hydrate+Oral
"If using chloral hydrate solution, measure your dose using a medication-measuring spoon or device. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Mix your dose with a full glass of water or other liquid (e.g., fruit juice, ginger ale) before taking it.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight."

I found some info. at Mayo site... it's pretty much the same as the info. on the site mrsd has given you I think.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dru...ation/DR202123

"Dosing

The dose of chloral hydrate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of chloral hydrate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

This medicine comes in different strengths. Make sure your doctor has told your pharmacist both how many milligrams (mg) and how many capsules, teaspoonfuls, or suppositories should be used . This information is needed to be sure the right amount is given.

The number of capsules or teaspoonfuls of syrup that you take, or suppositories that you use, depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using chloral hydrate ."