cloral betaine at a glance
Medicine class
Sedative hypnotic
Main role
Severe insomnia after other approaches have failed
Administration
Film-coated tablets swallowed with water or milk
Important caution
May cause drowsiness, dependence and withdrawal symptoms
What is cloral betaine used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected tablet product include:
Adults with severe insomnia that interferes with daily life after behavioural and medicine-based treatments have failed; use alongside non-drug measures.
Adolescents aged 12 years and over with a suspected or confirmed neurodevelopmental disorder in the same restricted insomnia context, under specialist supervision and alongside behavioural therapy and sleep-hygiene management.
How does cloral betaine work?
Cloral betaine separates into chloral hydrate and betaine. Chloral hydrate is converted to trichloroethanol, which depresses central nervous system activity, probably partly by enhancing inhibitory GABA-A receptor signalling.
How to take cloral betaine
Take only as prescribed and swallow the tablet with water or milk. Avoid alcohol because it can intensify sedation. Do not drive or use machinery if drowsiness or impaired coordination affects you.
Do not increase the amount taken if the effect seems weaker; contact the prescriber.
Do not stop abruptly after prolonged use; withdrawal should be planned by the prescriber.
cloral betaine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects of unknown frequency include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, bloating or wind.
- Anxiety, restlessness, excitation, confusion and impaired coordination can occur.
- Older people may be particularly susceptible to confusion, poor coordination, falls and injury.
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction with facial or throat swelling, wheezing, fainting or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Slow or shallow breathing.
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Sudden severe confusion or hallucinations, including during withdrawal.
- Severe abdominal symptoms or markedly reduced urine output.
cloral betaine in pregnancy
The selected product information states that cloral betaine tablets should not be used during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. Human information is limited, and chloral hydrate crosses the placenta; discuss exposure or alternatives promptly with the prescriber.
cloral betaine while breastfeeding
The selected product information states that cloral betaine tablets should not be used while breastfeeding. Chloral hydrate and its active metabolite can enter breast milk and may sedate the infant, so seek specialist or prescriber advice.
cloral betaine interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and recreational substances before treatment because additive sedation and cardiac effects are important.
Alcohol
Can substantially increase sedation and should be avoided.
Other central nervous system depressants
Opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, anaesthetics, muscle relaxants and sedating antihistamines may increase central nervous system and respiratory depression.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
Combined use may increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias, particularly with low potassium or magnesium.
Common questions about cloral betaine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is cloral betaine used for?
It is a sedative hypnotic licensed for severe insomnia that disrupts daily life when behavioural measures and other treatments have failed.
Is cloral betaine the same as chloral hydrate?
No. Cloral betaine is a precursor that separates to release chloral hydrate after administration.
Can children take cloral betaine?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.