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Drug interactions

Chloral hydrate + Etomidate

Severity: Moderate

Chloral hydrate and Etomidate: moderate interaction.

Last updated

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

Etomidate is an intravenous anesthetic induction agent, and chloral hydrate premedication or concurrent use may deepen sedation and prolong recovery. Respiratory depression and hypotension may be more pronounced.

What this interaction means in plain words

Chloral hydrate and Etomidate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Chloral hydrate belongs to Central Nervous System; Etomidate belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression via GABA-A receptor potentiation by both drugs.

What to do

Titrate etomidate to effect with a lower dose when chloral hydrate has been given. Provide continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Chloral hydrate with Etomidate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloral hydrate and Etomidate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Etomidate is an intravenous anesthetic induction agent, and chloral hydrate premedication or concurrent use may deepen sedation and prolong recovery. Respiratory depression and hypotension may be more pronounced.

How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Etomidate?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate etomidate to effect with a lower dose when chloral hydrate has been given. Provide continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure.

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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