Types

Side effects of paraldehyde include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bad breath, clumsiness, unsteadiness and dizziness.

Drug Interactions

Paraldehyde may cause excessive sedation when taken with drugs that slow down your nervous system such as alcohol, barbiturates, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-seizure medications, muscle relaxants and antihistamines.

Warning

No matter what side effects you experience while taking paraldehyde, it is not safe to suddenly discontinue use of the drug as doing so may cause severe seizures, hallucinations, sweating and muscle cramps, warns the Mayo Clinic.

Risks

With long-term use, paraldehyde may damage your liver, warns the Mayo Clinic. The first symptoms of liver dysfunction due to paraldehyde are typically yellowing of your skin and eyes.

Precautions

Because it has the potential to cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking paraldehyde, suggests the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

If you have a history of substance abuse, colitis, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, lung disease, liver disease or stomach ulcers, it may not be safe for you to take paraldehyde, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Paraldehyde (Oral Route, Injection Route, Rectal Route)