Effects of Chloralhydrate on Children

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The Effects of Chloral Hydrate on Children Chloral Hydrate: Chloral Hydrate has been used since 1869 as a means of sudation and as a hypnotic agent to both adults and children with varying dosages from 50mg to 2gram with varying effects of sudation; it may take from five minutes to thirty to take effect, with desired effects lasting up to 8 hours after administration. There is little reason to question its effectiveness as a sedative with a 91% success rate with children that are less than 11 years of age, (CH seemed to be less effective to the older children). A concern with using this CH on children is the side effects it is having on them, and whether an alternative that has less severe side effects should be considered more seriously. And how would CH fare if it is to be used long term, would it be as effective, would the less frequent side effects become more of a concern, and how would a long term use of CH impact the social and psychological aspects of a growing child. Case Study: I have had the opportunity to study the effectiveness of CH is on a child, for the purpose of the child’s privacy I will refer to him as Albert. Albert is 5 years old and has been using CH for 9 months as a means to sleep, due to an undiagnosed neurological problem that causes sleep apnoea, sedation has been necessary. Because of the sleep apnoea Albert also has a ventilator via tracheotomy so the importance of a respiratory side effect is very concerning. Because Albert has been using CH for such a long time his tolerance for the drug has got stronger and on occasions has been able to fight the intended purposes of CH for over an hour after administration, he has also been able to wake up after only 2 ½ hours sedation and would want to start playing. Due to this tolerance of CH the implication for using this drug long term and its habit forming side effect become a concern.

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