Journal Published Online: 01 January 1977
Volume 22, Issue 1

Toxic or Tolerant: Chloral and the Drug Dilemma

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Chloral hydrate, discovered in 1832, is considered to be the first synthetic organic compound effectively used as a hypnotic [1]. Its relative safety gained it great popularity, and reports of administering up to 25 g in a 20-h period have been published [2]. Dependency potential was recognized early, and many notable individuals including the philosopher Nietzsche became habituated. Individual case histories have documented persons taking almost 25 g nightly over prolonged periods of time [3] but little has been published on actual blood concentrations in such apparently tolerant individuals. The following case exemplifies some of the problems encountered in certifying a death in a person using relatively large amounts of chloral hydrate.

Author Information

Jindrich, EJ
, Matin County, San Rafael, Calif.
Pages: 2
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10392J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10392J