chloral hydrate, a sedative and hypnotic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for the short-term (less than 2 weeks) relief of insomnia, anxiety, or tension and as a sedative/hypnotic for diagnostic procedures. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Liver or kidney dysfunction or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions are GI disturbances, skin rash, paradoxic excitement, and hypotension.
