Paraldehyde is a polymerisation product of acetaldehyde. This compound has rapidly acting sedative and hypnotic properties.
It is used to control insomnia, excitement, agitation, delirium and convulsions.
It may cause bad breath.
It may be administered intramuscularly - which is said to be very painful, or per rectum. Under these circumstances it should be mixed 50/50 with arachis oil, and not kept in a plastic syringe for any longer than a couple of minutes since it reacts with the plastic causing melting.
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