| Stereochemistry | EPIMERIC |
| Molecular Formula | C6H12O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 132.1577 |
| Optical Activity | UNSPECIFIED |
| Defined Stereocenters | 2 / 2 |
| E/Z Centers | 0 |
| Charge | 0 |
SHOW SMILES / InChI
SMILES
C[C@H]1OC(C)O[C@@H](C)O1
InChI
InChIKey=SQYNKIJPMDEDEG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1S/C6H12O3/c1-4-7-5(2)9-6(3)8-4/h4-6H,1-3H3
| Molecular Formula | C6H12O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 132.1577 |
| Charge | 0 |
| Count |
MOL RATIO
1 MOL RATIO (average) |
| Stereochemistry | ABSOLUTE |
| Additional Stereochemistry | No |
| Defined Stereocenters | 2 / 2 |
| E/Z Centers | 0 |
| Optical Activity | UNSPECIFIED |
Paraldehyde is the cyclic trimer of acetaldehyde molecules. It was introduced into clinical practice in the UK by the Italian physician Vincenzo Cervello in 1882. It is a central nervous system depressant and was soon found to be an effective anticonvulsant, hypnotic and sedative. It was included in some cough medicines as an expectorant (though there is no known mechanism for this function beyond the placebo effect). Paraldehyde also has been used in the treatment of alcoholism and in the treatment of nervous and mental conditions to calm or relax patients who are nervous or tense and to produce sleep. However, this medicine has generally been replaced by safer and more effective medicines for the treatment of alcoholism and in the treatment of nervous and mental conditions.
CNS Activity
Originator
Approval Year
Doses
AEs
Sourcing
Sample Use Guides
Usual adult dose:
Anticonvulsant
Oral, up to 12 mL (diluted to a 10% solution) via gastric tube every four hours as needed;
Rectal, 10 to 20 mL;
Usual pediatric dose:
Anticonvulsant
Oral, 0.3 mL per kg of body weight or 12 mL per square meter of body surface;
Rectal, 0.3 mL per kg of body weight or 12 mL per square meter of body surface.
Route of Administration:
Enteral
