Latin, Chloralum Hydratum (Gen., Chlorali Hydrati)

Eng., Hydrated Chloral. Synonyms, Chloral, Chloral Hydrate. Formula, C2HC130 + H20.

Form

Colorless crystals.

Odor And Taste

An aromatic, penetrating odor and somewhat bitter taste.

Solubility

Freely soluble in water. Soluble in alcohol, but decomposed by strong alcoholic solutions.-

1 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

Incompatibles

Alcohol, alkalies, borates, potassium iodide and permanganate, .etc. It liquefies when rubbed with camphor, phenol, menthol, thymol, etc.

Average Dose

8 grains (0.5 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Hypnotic, analgesic, antispasmodic, antiseptic.

Uses

Used for insomnia, particularly when the result of nervous excitement. Employed in the treatment of convulsions, as those of strychnine poisoning, tetanus, etc., and for the convulsions of childhood. Frequently used in the management of labor.

Toxicology

Acute poisoning with hydrated chloral is usually characterized by coma, lowered blood-pressure, impaired respiration, lowered temperature, dilated pupils and abolished reflexes. Treatment.-The stomach should be washed out, the patient kept warm, and stimulants, as caffeine, strychnine, atropine and camphor, used. Artificial respiration, if necessary.

Administration

Hydrated Chloral cannot be prescribed in dry form, but is used in solution or ointment.

Internally

Used in aqueous solution either alone or with other agents, as the bromides. It is administered either by mouth or by rectum.

Some combinations are shown by the following:

In the treatment of convulsions of childhood:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful. Repeat in one hour if necessary.

In the treatment of acute laryngitis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every twenty minutes until improvement takes place.

1 Ruhrah: Diseases of Children.

2 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

Externally

Some combinations are shown by the following: In the treatment of eczema of the scrotum:

M.

Sig

Apply liberally several times daily.

In the treatment of pruritus:

Sig

Apply locally.

In the treatment of pruritus:

M.

Sig

Apply locally.

The following liquefies when triturated: In the treatment of neuralgia:

M. et tere bene.

Sig

Paint over parts as directed.