Position statement - Off label use of Chloral Hydrate

Off label use of Chloral Hydrate in the Management of Intrusive Movement and Motor Disorders in Children and Young People

This position statement is produced by the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacist Group (NPPG) in conjunction with the British Academy of Childhood Disability (BACD) and the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA).

This statement was written following the recent MRHA Drug Safety Update in October 2021 describing new restrictions to the use of Chloral Hydrate and Chloral Betaine. 

This statement helps clarify around the use of off-label use of chloral hydrate in the management of children and young people with movement disorders. 

It also provides recommendations for appropriate discontinuation of chloral hydrate used for treatment of insomnia in the absence of movement and motor disorders.