Abstract: Objective To investigate the general pattern and characteristics of the adverse drug reactions(ADR) induced by chloral hydrate, and provide a reference for the clinical rational use of drugs. Methods By searching literature in Chinese journal full-text database from 1994 to 2012, 14 ADR literatures of chloral hydrate involving 18 cases were collected. The type of adverse reactions, the main clinical manifestations and the influencing factors were analyzed statistically. Results The ADR induced by chloral hydrate could occur in more than ten seconds after administration, could also occur in more than ten days after administration. The majority of adverse reactions occurred within 20 minutes. Adverse reactions could involve multiple systems, and the clinical manifestations were complicated and diversified. The incidence of allergic reaction was the highest, and serious cases can lead to shock and death. Conclusion Clinical physicians and pharmacists should be alert to the ADR induced by chloral hydrate and they should stick to the principle of rational drug use.

Key words: chloral hydrate, adverse drug reactions, literature analysis