Paraldehyde

How does it work?

Paraldehyde is an anti-epileptic medicine belonging to a group of medicines called barbiturates. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is a chemical called a neurotransmitter, which when released in the brain, acts as a natural calming agent and keeps the nerve activity in balance. A decrease in the level of GABA in the brain is likely to cause over-stimulation. Paraldehyde is thought to act mainly by preventing chemicals from passing through openings on the nerve cells. In addition, paraldehyde acts to increase the effects of GABA and decrease the effect of other chemicals such as glutamate that excite nerve activity. This results in stabilised electrical nerve activity in the brain, leading to prevention of fits and maintenance of normal brain function. Paraldehyde also has a sedative action, that is, it has a calming efect, relieving anxiety and tension. This medicine may either be given as an injection into the muscle or throught the anus (rectally).

What is it used for?

Repeated fitting with no recovery of conciousness between seizures

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Lung disease

Not to be used in

Alcoholics

Disorders of the stomach

Individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis, where administartion of this medicine is by the rectal route

People taking disulfiram

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Pain at the injection site

Sterile abscesses

Damage to the nerves

Intramuscular injection may cause tissue necrosis at the injection site. This is rare if the site of injection is varied and the injected volume is limited to 5 ml.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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