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"What is paraldehyde used for?  Controlling repeated fitting with no recovery of consciousness between seizures (status epilepticus) in children.   Paraldehyde is mixed with olive oil for use as an enema. It is not licensed in the UK, so has to be made as a &amp;#039;special&amp;#039; or imported from abroad by a licensed pharmaceutical importer.  How does paraldehyde work? Paraldehyde is an anti-epileptic medicine belonging to a group of medicines called barbiturates. It is used to control repeated fitting in children and works by stabilising the electrical nerve activity in the brain. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures.  Paraldehyde is thought to act mainly by preventing chemicals from passing through openings on the nerve cells, which stops electrical signals buidling up in the nerves. In addition, paraldehyde acts to increase the effects of a natural &amp;#039;nerve-calming&amp;#039; agent called GABA and to decrease the effect of other chemicals such as glutamate that excite nerve activity. The overall result is stabilised electrical nerve activity in the brain, which helps to stop a fit. Paraldehyde also has a sedative action and the child will usually sleep after they have been given the medicine. How is paraldehyde given?  Paraldehyde is given by rectum as an enema to stop a fit. A single dose is given. The paraldehyde is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream from the rich supply of blood vessels in this area. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding the use of this medicine. The enema is given using a rectal tube that is inserted in the child&amp;#039;s bottom whilst they are laying on their left side. The required amount of enema is drawn up into a syringe that has the rectal tube attached. A few centimetres of the tube is inserted in the child&amp;#039;&amp;#039;s rectum and the contents of the syringe administered by pushing the plunger of the syringe. The child&amp;#039;&amp;#039;s buttocks should be held together for a few minutes. You should wear gloves when administering the enema. If the enema solution comes into contact with uncovered skin, you should wash the area for at least ten minutes with cold running water.   Important information about paraldehyde  This medicine is sedating and the child will usually sleep after they have been given it. The child may still be drowsy the following day and and should not take part in potentially hazardous activities such as riding bikes if they are affected. Drinking alcohol can increase sedating effect of paraldehyde. Paraldehyde and olive oil enema solution is flammable and should not be used near or placed in direct contact with sources of heat (eg open flames, electric heaters, lit cigarettes). This enema should be kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight or heat.  The enema solution is usually amber in colour, if the solution appears darker than usual it should not be used.  Any unused or expired enemas should be returned to the pharmacy for disposal.   Paraldehyde should be used with caution in  People with decreased liver function. People with lung disease.  Paraldehyde should not be used in  People with inflammation of the bowel (colitis).  This medicine should not be used if your child is allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if your child has previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel your child has experienced an allergic reaction after being given this medicine, inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.  This medicine may pass into breast milk. It is not recommended for use in mothers who are breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.   Possible side effects of paraldehyde Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Sleepiness. Irritation around the bottom after administration.  Skin rash.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think is necessary they&amp;#039;ll report it for you. You can also report side effects yourself using the yellow card website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. How can paraldehyde affect other medicines? It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines your child is already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines after giving this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.  There may be an increased risk of side effects if paraldehyde is given to people taking disulfiram. Further reading For background information about our medicine factsheets, including the references used to produce them, click here. Last updated 03.06.2015 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/brain-and-nervous-system/a7317/paraldehyde/>