Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Chloral Hydrate Syrup Odan
What is CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN used for?
CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN is used in adults:
- for short term (less than 2 weeks) treatment of insomnia. This is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or causes you to wake up too early.
- to reduce anxiety and help put you to sleep before surgery.
- to help control pain after you have had surgery.
How does CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN work?
CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN works by producing a hypnotic effect in the brain. This induces a deep sleep. It also helps you fall asleep faster and decreases nighttime awakenings.
What are the ingredients in CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN?
Medicinal ingredients: chloral hydrate
Non-medicinal ingredients: citric acid, D&C yellow #10, FD&C red #40, flavor blood orange, glycerin, methylparaben, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide, sucrose.
CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN comes in the following dosage forms:
Orange flavored syrup: 500 mg / 5 mL
Do not use CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN if:
- you are allergic to chloral hydrate or any of the ingredients in CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN
- you have liver or kidney problems
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
have ever had a problem with:
- substance use, including prescribed or illegal drugs, or
- alcohol
- have heart disease
- have or have had porphyria (a blood disease)
- have digestive problems, such as ulcers or inflammation of the stomach or esophagus
- have lung or breathing problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You could harm your baby if you take CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN while you are pregnant.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN passes into breastmilk.
- are 65 years of age or older
Other warnings you should know about:
Addiction, Abuse and Misuse: If you take CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN, you are at risk for abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence and withdrawal. Abuse and misuse can result in overdose or death.
Withdrawal: If you suddenly stop your treatment, lower your dose too fast, or switch to another medication, you can experience withdrawal symptoms that can be life threatening, such as:
- severe confusion, shivering, irregular heartrate and excessive sweating (delirium tremens)
- seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
To reduce your chances of going through withdrawal:
- always contact your healthcare professional before stopping or reducing your dose of CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN or changing medications
- always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions on how to reduce your dose carefully and safely
- tell your healthcare professional right away if you experience any unusual symptoms after changing or stopping your treatment
Driving and Using Machines: CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN may make you drowsy. Give yourself time after taking CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN to see how you feel before driving a vehicle or using machinery.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN:
- alcohol. Do not take CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN if you drink alcohol.
- depressants, including other hypnotics or sedative that are used to help with sleeping
- medicines used to prevent blood clots such as, coumarin, indandione-derivative
- furosemide, a diuretic or “water pill”, when given intravenously (IV)
How to take CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN:
- Always take CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN exactly as your healthcare professional tells you to. Do not change your dose without taking to your healthcare professional.
- Your healthcare professional will slowly decrease your dose and will tell you when to stop taking the medicine. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions on how to lower your dose carefully and safely to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- Your healthcare professional will ensure the lowest effective dose of CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN is used for the shortest amount of time.
- CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN can be taken in half a glass of water, fruit juice, or ginger ale.
Usual dose:
Adults:
- Insomnia: 500 mg (5 mL) to 1 g (10 mL), taken 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Surgery: 500 mg (5 mL) to 1 g (10 mL), taken 30 minutes before surgery.
Pain control after surgery: 250 mg (2.5 mL) 3 times a day after meals.
- Maximum dose: 2 g (20 mL), either as a single dose or total daily dose.
Children:
- Your healthcare professional will decide on the dose that is right for your child based on their body weight and the reason CHOLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN has been prescribed.
Elderly (65 years or older):
- Insomnia: 250 mg (2.5 mL), 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime.
Overdose:
Accidental overdosage should be treated by inducing vomiting with Ipecac syrup to empty the stomach; or by taking charcoal with sorbitol.
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
|---|
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take two doses at once.
What are possible side effects from using CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- difficulty with coordination
- nausea, vomiting
- gas
- diarrhea
- unpleasant taste
- dizziness, lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- nightmares
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Overdose: slow reflexes, slow shallow breathing, coma, and low blood pressure. | √ | ||
| Respiratory Depression: slow, shallow or weak breathing. | √ | ||
Withdrawal, severe symptoms include: Delirium Tremens: severe confusion, shivering, irregular heartrate and excessive sweating Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that are not there | √ | ||
| Allergic Reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fever. | √ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
Store CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN below 40°C; preferably between 15 and 30°C. Store in a tight, light-resistant container. Protect from freezing.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about CHLORAL HYDRATE SYRUP ODAN:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); or by calling the manufacturer at 1-888-666-6326.