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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using chloral hydrate rectal (Aquachloral Supprettes)?

Do not use this medication if you have severe kidney or liver disease, or if you are allergic to chloral hydrate or aspirin.

Before using chloral hydrate rectal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease or heart rhythm problems;
• ulcer, colitis, or other stomach disorders;
• adenoids, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
• porphyria;
• depression or mental illness;
• thoughts of suicide; or
• a history of drug abuse or dependence.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use chloral hydrate rectal, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Chloral hydrate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication may be habit-forming. You may have severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when you stop using chloral hydrate rectal after using it for 2 weeks or longer. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the sedative effects of chloral hydrate rectal.

How should I use chloral hydrate rectal (Aquachloral Supprettes)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Chloral hydrate rectal should be used only for a short time, such as 2 to 7 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not take chloral hydrate rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the chloral hydrate rectal suppository. To treat insomnia, use this medicine only at bedtime.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands. Wet the tip of the suppository with water to make it easier to insert. Do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

For best results from the suppository, lie down on your left side with your right knee bent toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository and remain lying down for a minute or two. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in. Avoid using the bathroom during this time.

Wash your hands after you are finished using the suppository.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using chloral hydrate rectal.

Do not stop using chloral hydrate rectal without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Store the rectal suppositories at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze them.

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