Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Ethanol
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Ethanol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Alcohol combined with chloral hydrate causes marked potentiation of sedation, known historically as a "Mickey Finn". It can produce profound CNS depression, vasodilation with flushing, hypotension and tachycardia, and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, and ethanol competes for metabolism with trichloroethanol, raising levels of both while altering aldehyde dehydrogenase pathways.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol completely during chloral hydrate treatment. Monitor consciousness, breathing and blood pressure if co-ingestion occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Chloral hydrate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chloral hydrate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Chloral hydrate Major
- Alprazolam + Chloral hydrate Major
- Amobarbital + Chloral hydrate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloral hydrate with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Alcohol combined with chloral hydrate causes marked potentiation of sedation, known historically as a "Mickey Finn". It can produce profound CNS depression, vasodilation with flushing, hypotension and tachycardia, and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol completely during chloral hydrate treatment. Monitor consciousness, breathing and blood pressure if co-ingestion occurs.
What other medicines interact with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloral hydrate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Chloral hydrate page.
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