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ethchlorvynol-oral, Placidyl

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GENERIC NAME: ETHCHLORVYNOL - ORAL (eth-klor-VYE-nohl)

BRAND NAME(S): Placidyl

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used as a sleeping aid for short-term treatment of insomnia. It is usually not prescribed for longer than a one week period.

HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime. Take this medication with food to prevent dizziness.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication causes drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid tasks requiring alertness. You may experience headache, stomach upset, dizziness or an unpleasant taste in the mouth during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: confusion, nightmares, loss of coordination, fainting, breathing difficulties, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, itching, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Avoid alcohol or other sedative type drugs while taking this medication as it can lead to extreme drowsiness. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since this medication may appear in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of: liver or kidney disease.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" such as warfarin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, cough, unsteadiness, numbness, slow heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.