What is it used for?
How does it work?
Clomethiazole edisylate acts on receptors in the brain known as GABA receptors, which cause the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). GABA is a major inhibitory chemical in the brain involved in causing sleepiness and controlling anxiety and fits.
Clomethiazole acts by increasing the activity of GABA, thereby reducing the functioning of certain areas of the brain. This results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety and relaxation of muscles. Clomethiazole is used for the management of aggitation, restlessness and short term insonmia in the elderly.
Clomethiazole also inhibits a chemical called alcohol dehydrogenase that is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. This slows the rate of elimination of alcohol from the body, which helps to relieve the sudden effects of alcohol withdrawal in alcoholics. It should only be used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal under close hospital supervision.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.
- Tolerance and dependence readily occur to this medicine. Tolerance means that less effect is achieved from the same dose. Dependence means that the patient finds it very difficult to stop using the medicine. Abrupt withdrawal may result in serious problems.
- The effects of alcohol are enhanced by this medicine.
- This medicine should not be used for more than 9 days when used for alcohol withdrawal.
Use with caution in
- Chronic kidney disease
- Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)
- Elderly people
- Heart failure
- Individuals with problems of drug abuse
- Moderate to severely decreased liver function
- Ongoing decrease in lung function (chronic pulmonary insufficiency)
- Severe liver damage
Not to be used in
- A sudden worsening of any underlying lung disease (acute pulmonary insufficiency)
- Alcoholics who continue to drink
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.
- There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy. It should not be used during pregnancy, particularly during the first and third trimesters. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.
- This medication causes drowsiness which may continue the next day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.
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.
- Eye irritation
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal irritation
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Unexpected excitement (paradoxical excitement)
- Itchy rash (urticaria)
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.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
Alcohol and other medicines which have a sedative effect when taken with clomethiazole can cause serious and potentially life thr