Dichloralphenazone
Dichloralphenazone is a sedative-hypnotic medication used primarily in the short-term treatment of insomnia and tension headaches. It belongs to the chloral derivative family and produces calming effects on the central nervous system. This medication is typically prescribed when milder sleep aids have proven ineffective.
A sedative-hypnotic medication used for short-term treatment of insomnia and tension relief.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05CC04
- RxNorm
- 22892
- Generic
- Dichloralphenazone
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid
avoid use near term due to risk of neonatal CNS depression
fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal withdrawal
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug; excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use lowest effective dose; increased sensitivity to sedative effects
monitor for falls, confusion, and excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants childrenavoid in children under 2 years
use only in older children when absolutely necessary; avoid in infants
close monitoring for respiratory depression and paradoxical reactions
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderatereduce dose by 25%
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests and drug accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or significantly reduce dose
not recommended in severe renal impairment
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; drug metabolized in liver
monitor liver function and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
avoid in severe hepatic impairment due to impaired metabolism
monitor hepatic function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Dichloralphenazone is a combination sedative medication
Composition
Combination formulation details
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Market status
Regulatory status in multiple countries
Short-term treatment of insomnia, tension headaches, and anxiety-related sleep disturbances.
Produces central nervous system depression through its active metabolites, resulting in sedation and anxiolytic effects similar to other chloral derivatives.
Should only be used short-term due to dependence risk. May cause drowsiness and should be used with caution when operating machinery. Avoid alcohol during treatment. Not recommended for prolonged use without medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy