Pediclor Syrup

Indications

Chloral Hydrate is a sedative mainly used for short-term calming or sleep in children before medical tests or procedures that need them to lie still, such as EEG, CT or echocardiography. It was once used for sleeplessness in adults, but safer medicines are now preferred.

How It Works

In the body Chloral Hydrate is quickly changed into trichloroethanol, which slows down activity in the brain and nervous system. This causes drowsiness and sleep, usually within 30 to 60 minutes.

Dosage and Administration

The dose depends on the child's weight and the purpose, so it must be used only as prescribed by a doctor. It is usually given as a single dose by mouth before the procedure, often under medical supervision. The syrup can be mixed with a little water or juice to reduce stomach irritation and bitter taste. Use the measuring device provided; never use a kitchen spoon. Do not give a repeat dose without medical advice.

Interactions

• Alcohol, opioid pain relievers, Benzodiazepines, antihistamines and other sedatives greatly increase drowsiness and breathing problems.
• It may increase the effect of Warfarin for a short time.
• Giving Furosemide injection after Chloral Hydrate can cause flushing, sweating and blood pressure changes.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Chloral Hydrate.
• Severe liver or kidney disease.
• Severe heart disease or serious heart rhythm problems.
• Stomach ulcer or inflamed stomach (gastritis).
• Porphyria.

Side Effects

Common effects include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, bad taste, and grogginess or unsteadiness after waking. Some children become excited or restless instead of sleepy. Hangover-like drowsiness may last several hours, so watch the child closely.

Get urgent medical help if the child is very difficult to wake, has slow, shallow or noisy breathing, blue lips, an irregular heartbeat, fits, or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It crosses the placenta and is not recommended during pregnancy. It passes into breast milk and can make a baby drowsy, so it should be avoided while breastfeeding unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Precautions and Warnings

• Children must be watched by an adult until fully awake; keep the airway clear and lay them on their side if sleepy.
• Use extra care in children with breathing problems, sleep apnoea, or large tonsils.
• Not for long-term use: tolerance and dependence can develop.
• After waking, avoid activities needing balance, such as riding a bicycle, for the rest of the day.

Overdose

Overdose is dangerous and can cause deep sleep or coma, slow breathing, low blood pressure, low body temperature, vomiting and serious heart rhythm problems. Get emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Sedative and hypnotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed.