The spelling of "chloral hydrate" can be confusing due to the combination of two distinct sounds: /klɔrəl hʌɪdreɪt/. The first part, "chloral," begins with the clear "k" sound, followed by the "l" and "r" consonants closely pronounced (represented by /kl-/), and the vowel sound "ɔ" (represented by /ɔrəl/). The second part, "hydrate," begins with the "h" sound followed by the "aɪ" diphthong (represented by /haɪ-/), and ends with the "d" consonant and the vowel "eɪ" (represented by /-dreɪt/).
Chloral hydrate is a colorless, crystalline compound with the chemical formula C2H3Cl3O2. It is a sedative-hypnotic drug that belongs to the class of compounds known as chloral derivatives. Chloral hydrate is primarily used as a sedative, particularly in the treatment of insomnia and as a preoperative medication to induce sleep before surgery.
In terms of its pharmacological properties, chloral hydrate acts as a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain activity to induce a state of sedation. It is primarily metabolized in the liver to trichloroethanol by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Trichloroethanol then undergoes further metabolism to form trichloroacetic acid, which is excreted through urine.
As a sedative-hypnotic drug, chloral hydrate has a long history of use, dating back to the late 19th century. However, it has largely been replaced by safer and more effective medications due to its potential for addiction, dependence, and adverse side effects, such as dizziness, headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, and confusion. Additionally, chloral hydrate has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between an effective dose and a dangerous one is relatively small, increasing the risk of overdose.
In conclusion, chloral hydrate is a sedative-hypnotic drug that is used to induce sleep and treat insomnia. However, its use has declined over time due to safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives.
Chloralum hydratum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chloral hydrate" is derived from its chemical composition and properties.
The term "chloral" comes from the chemical element chlorine, which is an essential component of chloral hydrate. Chlorine is derived from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "greenish-yellow".
The word "hydrate" refers to a compound formed by the combination of water molecules with another substance. In this case, chloral hydrate is an organic compound consisting of chlorine, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with water molecules incorporated into its structure.
Therefore, the term "chloral hydrate" describes this specific chemical compound that resulted from the combination of chlorine and water.