Author: Unknown

Patient Information Leaflet

NOCTEC CAPSULES
Chloral Hydrate

Your doctor has prescribed Noctec Capsules for you. Please read this leaflet before you take your medicine. It gives a summary of information about your medicine. If you want to know more, or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

REMEMBER
This medicine is for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them even if they have the same symptoms as you.

WHAT IS IN NOCTEC CAPSULES?

The active ingredient in Noctec Capsules is chloral hydrate. Each capsule contains 500 mg chloral hydrate. There are 50 capsules in each bottle.

The other ingredients are:
erythrosine, gelatin, glycerin, methyl hydroxybenzoate, polyethylene glycol 400, propyl hydroxybenzoate, quinoline yellow.

Chloral hydrate is a sedative.

Product Licence Holder	PL Number
E.R. Squibb & Sons Limited	0034/5057R
Hounslow, Middlesex

Manufacturer:	R. P. Scherer Ltd
	Swindon, Wiltshire

Q.	What is this medicine for?
A.	Noctec is for the treatment of people with sleeping difficulties.

BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE:
Q.	Should I be taking Noctec?
A.	DO NOT take these capsules if you have had problems with your stomach, or you are allergic to chloral hydrate or any of the other ingredients of Noctec. This medicine is not recommended for children. You should not take Noctec if you suffer from the rare disorder porphyria.

Q.	What if I am pregnant or may become pregnant or am breast-feeding?
A.	Noctec should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, if you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor before taking Noctec.

Q.	What if I have had problems with my heart, kidneys or liver?
A.	If yes, remind your doctor before taking Noctec.

Q.	Can I take other medicines?
A.	If you are taking-warfarin or another anticoagulant, remind your doctor as he will want to check how long your blood takes to clot. Always tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using, even those you have bought at a pharmacy or other places, e.g. supermarket. In particular, remind your doctor if you are already taking a medicine for depression, a mental disorder, incontinence, irritable gut or glaucoma.
continued

Q.	Is it all right to drink alcohol?
A.	Alcohol will increase the sedative effect of Noctec and therefore should not be taken with Noctec. You should check with your doctor whether it is advisable for you to drink any alcohol.

Q.	Is it all right to drive?
A.	DO NOT attempt to drive after taking Noctec. Some people may still feel lightheaded or drowsy on waking. Make sure you know how Noctec affects you before you drive, use machines or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

USING YOUR MEDICINE:
Q.	How should I take Noctec Capsules?
A.	One or two capsules each night. Swallow the capsule(s) whole with a full glass of water 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime. Do not chew the capsules. Never take more capsules than your doctor has prescribed.

Q.	Can I take Noctec before or after meals?
A.	If this medicine upsets your stomach it may help to take it with food.

Q.	How long should I take Noctec for?
A.	This product is for short term use only. If it is used for longer, there is a danger of becoming dependent on it.

Q.	What if I take too many capsules, or a child accidentally swallows some?
A.	Drowsiness leading to coma, breathing difficulties, low body temperature, palpitations and low blood pressure can result. Go to your nearest hospital Casualty Department or tell your doctor immediately. If you are going to the hospital, take the empty container and any remaining medicine with you.

Q.	What if I miss a dose?
A.	If you miss the dose at bedtime and cannot sleep, remember that if you take the dose later on that night its effects will still last for 7-10 hours and so you may still feel drowsy in the morning.

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS:
Q.	Are there any unwanted effects of Noctec?
A.	All medicines may cause some unwanted or 'side-effects' in a few patients. If you get an upset stomach, tummy pains with wind, a skin rash, headaches, confusion or sweet smelling urine tell your doctor. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other troublesome side effects. After stopping Noctec, your body may need time to adjust and during this period you may notice side-effects such as restlessness and trembling.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MEDICINE:
You will see a 'Use before’ date on the outer packaging of Noctec Capsules. Do not use after this date.

Keep the capsules in a locked cabinet, OUT OF CHILDREN'S REACH. The capsules should be kept in a cool place. However do not let them freeze.

If your doctor decides to stop the medicine, ask your pharmacist to tell you what to do with any you have left.

DATE OF LAST REVISION: March 1994