Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Triclofos
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Triclofos: 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
Triclofos is a prodrug that is converted to trichloroethanol, the same active metabolite produced from chloral hydrate. Using both is therapeutic duplication and leads to excessive sedation and potential respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Triclofos 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
Both drugs yield the same active metabolite, trichloroethanol, giving additive CNS depression.
What to do
Do not prescribe both; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If duplication has occurred, monitor level of consciousness and respiration.
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
- Chloral Hydrate 143mg/5ml Oral Solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: hypnotics; "Concomitant use with antipsychotics, hypnotics, anxiolytics/sedatives, antidepressant agents, centrally acting muscle relaxants, narcotic analgesics, anti-epile") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Triclofos?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Triclofos 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. Triclofos is a prodrug that is converted to trichloroethanol, the same active metabolite produced from chloral hydrate. Using both is therapeutic duplication and leads to excessive sedation and potential respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Triclofos?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not prescribe both; use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If duplication has occurred, monitor level of consciousness and respiration.
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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