Chloral hydrate is one of the oldest sedative-hypnotics, first synthesized in 1832. It has a very narrow therapeutic window and overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, coma, and death. Chronic use can lead to liver damage and rapid tolerance development. Combination with alcohol (creating a Mickey Finn) is especially dangerous. Discontinued in the US in 2012 but still available in some countries.
Also known as: Noctec, Somnos, Somnote, Welldorm, Mickey finn, Aquachloral, Knockout drops, Trichloroacetaldehyde monohydrate
Classification
Chemical: Medicine
Psychoactive: Depressant
Tag: GABAergic
Tag: Habit-Forming
Tag: Sedative
Effects
Sedation
Muscle Relaxation
Physical Euphoria
Respiratory Depression
Incoordination
Numbness
Motor Control Loss
Amnesia
Dizziness
Anxiety Suppression
Drowsiness
Euphoria
Disinhibition
Dulled Perception
Routes of Administration
Oral
Dosage
Threshold: 250 mg
Light: 250-500 mg
Common: 500–1,000 mg
Strong: 500 mg
Heavy: 500+ mg
Duration
Onset: 0.33-1 h
Peak: 1-2 h
Offset: 2-6 h
After Effects: 6-24 h
Total Duration: 4-8 h
Rectal
Dosage
Threshold: 250 mg
Light: 250-500 mg
Common: 500–1,000 mg
Strong: 500 mg
Heavy: 500+ mg
Duration
Onset: 0.25-0.75 h
Peak: 1-2 h
Offset: 2-6 h
After Effects: 24 h
Harm Reduction
Check interactions before mixing substances, pay attention to dose spacing and hydration, and treat all dosage guidance as approximate rather than guaranteed safe.
Sources
Substance data is aggregated from the following public harm-reduction and reference sources.
This static page is intended as a readable non-JS and prerender-friendly library export.
Get the full DrugsPRO experience
Open the interactive DrugsPRO app for search, saved items, interactions, and deeper harm reduction tools.
Get the PRO test kit. The simple, quick and reliable drug checking test kit. Visit https://protestkit.eu
Chloral Hydrate - DrugsPRO efnisleiðsögn
Chloral Hydrate: Chloral hydrate is one of the oldest sedative-hypnotics, first synthesized in 1832. It has a very narrow therapeutic window and overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, coma, and death. Chronic use can lead to liver damage and rapid tolerance developmen