Medicines

Chloral hydrate for sedation before painless procedures

This leaflet is for parents and carers about how to use this medicine in children. Our information may differ from that provided by the manufacturers, because their information usually relates to adults. Read this leaflet carefully. Keep it somewhere safe so that you can read it again.

Contents of this leaflet

Name of medicine

Chloral hydrate

Why is it important for my child to take chloral hydrate?

Your child may need a procedure or scan that is not expected to be painful but that requires them to stay completely still. This can be difficult, especially for young children.

Chloral hydrate is a short-acting sedative that will help your child to sleep during the procedure or scan. This ensures that your child remains still and does not feel any distress, and that the procedure or scan can be done correctly and safely.

When should I give chloral hydrate

Your child will be given chloral hydrate 45–60 minutes before the procedure or scan. This will be done by a nurse or doctor.

Chloral hydrate will be given as a liquid medicine whenever possible. 

Are there any possible side effects?

Your child may be drowsy or sleepy, or less alert than usual, for up to 24 hours after having chloral hydrate.

They should rest while the medicine wears off. Make sure you supervise your child until you are confident they are steady on their feet and no longer drowsy.

Your child may get a headache or may have feel sick or be sick (vomit) or may get stomach pain, bloating or wind. These symptoms are usually mild and wear off quickly.

Your child may sometimes get side-effects that are not listed above. If you notice anything unusual and are concerned, contact your doctor. You can report any suspected side-effects to the UK safety scheme at mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

More information on side-effects can be found in a leaflet on our website.

Can other medicines be given at the same time as chloral hydrate?

You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless you have been told not to.

You can give your child their regular medicines, unless you have been told not to.

Your child should not have any other medicine that makes them drowsy as chloral hydrate also has this effect. This includes medicines that are bought over the counter from a pharmacy or a shop and herbal and complementary medicines.

Who to contact for more information?

Your doctor or nurse will be able to give you more information about chloral hydrate.

England: NHS 111

Tel 111

www.nhs.uk

Scotland: NHS 24

Northern Ireland: NI Direct

Wales: NHS 111 Wales

Copyright disclaimer

Version [1]. © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild, all rights reserved. Review by March 2027.

The primary source for the information in this leaflet is the British National Formulary for Children. For details on any other sources used for this leaflet, please contact us through our website, www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk.

We take great care to make sure that the information in this leaflet is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is important that you ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about something. This leaflet is about the use of these medicines in the UK, and may not apply to other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this leaflet.