A sedative drug used to stop prolonged epileptic seizures.
Paraldehyde can be administered as an enema or by injection into a muscle.
A clear, colourless liquid with a penetrating ethereal (see ETHER) odour, paraldehyde may be given by mouth, rectally, or occasionally in intramuscular injection. The drug’s prime use is as a hypnotic (see HYPNOTICS) in mentally unstable patients. It is also indicated as an anticonvulsant in STATUS EPILEPTICUS (after initial intravenous DIAZEPAM) and in TETANUS. Its unpleasant taste restricts its use, but this has the advantage that it usually prevents the patient from becoming an addict.
Caution is needed when treating patients with bronchopulmonary disease or liver impairment; and intramuscular injection near the sciatic nerve should be avoided, as it may cause severe CAUSALGIA. Adverse effects include rashes; pain and sterile ABSCESS after intramuscular injection; rectal irritation after ENEMA.
n. bad breath. Causes of temporary halitosis include recently eaten strongly flavoured food, such as garlic or onions, and drugs such as paraldehyde. Other causes include mouth breathing, *periodontal disease, and infective conditions of the nose, throat, and lungs (especially *bronchiectasis). Constipation, indigestion, acute appendicitis, uraemia, and some liver diseases may also cause the condition. See also fetor.... halitosis
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