Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Paral

Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.

Description

Paraldehyde (par-AL-de-hyde) is used to treat certain convulsive disorders. It also has been used in the treatment of alcoholism and in the treatment of nervous and mental conditions to calm or relax patients who are nervous or tense and to produce sleep. However, this medicine has generally been replaced by safer and more effective medicines for the treatment of alcoholism and in the treatment of nervous and mental conditions.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Oral liquid (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral
• Injection (Canada)

Rectal
• Rectal liquid (U.S. and Canada)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is used, the medicine may become habit-forming.

Do not use if liquid turns brownish in color or if it has a strong vinegar-like odor, since this means the paraldehyde is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

For patients taking this medicine by mouth:

• Do not use a plastic spoon, plastic glass, or any other plastic container to take this medicine, since paraldehyde may react with the plastic. Use a metal spoon or glass container.
• Take this medicine mixed in a glass of milk or iced fruit juice to improve the taste and odor and to lessen stomach upset.

For patients using this medicine rectally:

• Do not use paraldehyde in any plastic container since it may react with the plastic.
• Before using paraldehyde rectally, make sure you understand exactly how to use it. Paraldehyde may need to be diluted. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes and avoid getting it on the skin and clothing.

Keep this medicine away from heat, open flame, and sparks.

Dosing—The dose of paraldehyde will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of paraldehyde. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of paraldehyde that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking paraldehyde.

• For oral and rectal dosage forms (liquid):
  • Adults: Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • Children: Dose is based on body weight, and must be determined by the doctor.
• For injection dosage form:
  • Adults: Dose must be determined by your doctor. It will be injected into a muscle or a vein.
  • Children: Dose is based on body weight, and must be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose—If you are taking this medicine regularly (for example, every day) and you miss a dose, take it right away if you remember within an hour or so of the missed dose. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Coughing (with injection only); skin rash

Less common

Redness, swelling, or pain at injection site

With long-term use

Yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of overdose

Cloudy urine; confusion; decreased urination; fast and deep breathing; muscle tremors; nausea or vomiting (continuing or severe); nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; shortness of breath or slow or troubled breathing; slow heartbeat; stomach cramps (severe); weakness (severe)

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Drowsiness; nausea or vomiting (when taken by mouth); stomach pain (when taken by mouth); unpleasant breath odor

Less common

Clumsiness or unsteadiness; dizziness; ``hangover'' effect

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

Convulsions (seizures); hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); increased sweating; muscle cramps; nausea and vomiting; stomach cramps; trembling

Paraldehyde will cause your breath to have a strong unpleasant odor. This effect will last until about one day after you have stopped using this medicine.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 03/19/93

Note: The information contained herein has been devised without reference to cultural, dietary, societal, language, prescribing or dispensing conditions (including those imposed by law), other than those of the United States, which might affect the information provided. Information is for your personal use only and may not be sold or redistributed.

Copyright ® 2001 Micromedex, Inc. All rights reserved. USPDI® and Advice for the Patient? are registered trademarks USP used under license to Micromedex, Inc. Patient Education Leaflets is a trademark of Micromedex, Inc.