A1,
A2,
B,
C1,
C2,
D,
E,
F,
G-H,
I-K,
L,
M,
N,
O,
P1,
P2,
Q-R,
S,
T,
U-V,
W-Z
Noctec Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Studies, Metabolism - Chloral Hydrate
Noctec Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Studies, Metabolism - Chloral Hydrate
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
The mechanism of
action by which the Central
Nervous System (CNS) is affected is not known. Chloral hydrate
is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral
administration; however, significant
amounts of chloral hydrate have not been detected in the blood
after oral administration.
It is generally believed that the central
depressant effects
are due to the principal
pharmacologically active metabolite
trichloroethanol, which has a plasma
half- life of 8 to 10 hours.
A portion of the drug is
oxidized to trichloroacetic acid
(TCA) in the liver and
kidneys; TCA is excreted in the urine
and bile along with trichloroethanol
in free or conjugated form.
Hypnotic dosage produces
mild cerebral depression
and quiet, deep sleep with
little or no ''hangover'';
blood pressure
and respiration
are depressed only slightly more than in normal
sleep and reflexes are
not significantly depressed, so the patient
can be awakened and completely aroused. Chloral hydrate's effect
on rapid eye movement
(REM) sleep is uncertain.
Chloral hydrate has been detected in cerebrospinal
fluid and human
milk, and it crosses the placental
barrier.
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