Chloralose is a chemical compound used as a sedative and hypnotic agent. The word is pronounced /klɔːrˈələʊs/ and is spelled using the combination of the letters "chl" representing the sound /kl/, followed by "or" representing the sound /ɔːr/, and finally "alose" representing the sound /ˈæləʊs/. The use of the phonetic alphabet is beneficial in identifying pronunciation of words, particularly scientific terminologies, and aids in creating a better understanding of their structure and components.
Chloralose is a noun that refers to a white crystalline substance derived from chloral and used as a central nervous system depressant. It is primarily employed as a veterinary drug to immobilize or sedate animals during procedures or examinations, and less commonly used in some medical research experiments.
This compound has sedative and hypnotic properties, meaning it depresses the central nervous system, resulting in a calming and sleep-inducing effect on the body. Chloralose is administered either orally, through injection, or sometimes via inhalation depending on the purpose and method of application.
In veterinary medicine, chloralose is often chosen as an alternative to other sedatives or anesthetics due to its lower toxicity and reversible effects. Its action on the brain is relatively short-lived, making it suitable for brief procedures or when temporary immobilization is required. However, prolonged use can lead to adverse effects including drowsiness, respiratory depression, and potential damage to the liver or other organs.
Although chloralose is primarily used in the veterinary field, it has been historically used as a human sedative or sleep aid. Nowadays, its use in human medicine has significantly diminished due to the development of safer and more effective alternatives.
Overall, chloralose is a pharmacological substance that acts on the central nervous system, providing temporary sedation or immobilization primarily in veterinary practice.
Made by heating anhydrous chloral with glucose; colorless crystals of bitter taste; hypnotic in doses of gr. 3-12 (0.2-0.8).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Chloralose" is derived from two components:
1. Chloral: The first part of the word, "chloral", refers to a chemical compound called "chloral hydrate". This compound was first synthesized in the mid-19th century and is known for its sedative and hypnotic properties. The term "chloral" originates from the Greek word "khlōros", meaning "greenish-yellow", which describes the color of the compound.
2. -ose: The second part of the word, "-ose", is a suffix used to denote a sugar or a carbohydrate. It is commonly used in chemical names to indicate a compound's relation to sugar or carbohydrate structures. The use of "-ose" in the name "Chloralose" might be related to the compound's chemical structure or its properties.