Registered Malawi · PMRA

PARALDEHYDE 10ML INJECTION

PARALDEHYDE

PMPB/PL304/1 INJECTION INN generic

What it does

Paraldehyde is a medication used to treat certain types of seizures and can also help with anxiety and agitation.

Commonly used for: seizures, anxiety, agitation

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

Ask about this medicine

Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
PMPB/PL304/1
Registration date
30/06/2003
Expiry date
30/06/2008
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
PARALDEHYDE
Dosage form
INJECTION
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
-
Country of origin
-

Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:40 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:05

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (Malawi). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About this medicine

Paraldehyde is a medication used to treat certain types of seizures and can also help with anxiety and agitation.

What it treats

  • seizures
  • anxiety
  • agitation

How it works

Paraldehyde works by calming the brain and nervous system, helping to reduce excitement and seizure activity.

Who it's for

This medication is typically prescribed for adults and children who need help controlling seizures or severe anxiety.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: Paraldehyde

BNF-referenced

Paraldehyde is a central nervous system depressant that has been utilized primarily as a treatment for seizures, particularly in cases of status epilepticus. It acts to inhibit neuronal activity, thus reducing the frequency and severity of convulsions. Paraldehyde is often administered rectally or by other routes, but its use is generally limited to specific clinical scenarios due to safety concerns and potential side effects.

Indications

  • Status epilepticus
  • Seizure disorders

Dosage

Children: For children, the recommended dosage is 0.8 mL per kilogram of body weight, with a maximum single dose of 20 mL. This is based on the use of a premixed solution of paraldehyde in olive oil.

Adults: The BNF does not specify a standard adult dosage for paraldehyde; consult clinical guidelines and the BNF for specific dosing recommendations based on clinical scenarios.

Mechanism of action

Paraldehyde is believed to reduce the release of acetylcholine in response to neuronal depolarization, although the exact mechanism of its action is not fully understood. It is suggested to depress various levels of the central nervous system, including the ascending reticular activating system, causing an imbalance between inhibitory and facilitatory mechanisms, ultimately leading to its therapeutic effects in seizure control.

Pharmacodynamics

Paraldehyde blocks neuromuscular transmission, which contributes to its effectiveness in managing seizures. This blockade results in decreased neuronal excitability and a reduction in the overall activity of the central nervous system, providing a sedative effect that can help control seizure episodes.

Pharmacokinetics

Paraldehyde is rapidly absorbed following administration and is extensively metabolized in the liver. Its effects can be influenced by factors such as liver function and the route of administration. The drug's distribution throughout the body, including the central nervous system, is facilitated by its lipophilic nature, allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Contra-indications

  • Acute porphyrias
  • Gastric disorders
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Bronchopulmonary disease
  • Colitis

Adverse effects

  • Arrhythmia
  • Decreased myocardial contractility
  • Decreased appetite
  • Rash
  • Imbalance between inhibitory and facilitatory mechanisms

Interactions

  • Antiepileptics
  • Sedatives
  • Analgesics

Precautions

  • Caution in hepatic impairment
  • Caution in renal impairment
  • Avoid use during pregnancy unless essential
  • Avoid during breastfeeding unless essential
  • Patients should be warned about the risk of driving or undertaking skilled tasks after administration

Pregnancy

May depress neonatal respiration when used during delivery, avoid unless essential.

Breast-feeding

Breastfeeding can be resumed as soon as the mother has recovered sufficiently from anaesthesia, but use is advised against unless essential as it is present in milk.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Formulations

  • Solution for injection
  • Enema solution
BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.250 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: Paraldehyde

PubChem CID 31264

Molecular formula: C6H12O3

Mechanism of action

Paraldehyde is believed to reduce the release of acetylcholine in response to neuronal depolarization. The exact mechanism of this effect is unknown. BELIEVED TO DEPRESS MANY LEVELS OF CNS INCLUDING ASCENDING RETICULAR ACTIVATING SYSTEM TO CAUSE IMBALANCE BETWEEN INHIBITORY & FACILITATORY MECHANISMS.

Pharmacodynamics

Paraldehyde blocks neuromuscular transmission.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.