However, it is no longer used. Liver and kidney damage can occur. Bromides are long acting sedatives that are rarely used anymore. Some can still be found in Bromo Seltzer and in Miles Nervine. These are gastric irritants with a narrow safety margin and may cause a chronic toxicity known as bromism.
Chloral hydrate is metabolized into trichloroethanol, which in turn produces sleep and anesthesia.
It has a rapid onset, short duration and negligible cardiovascular or respiratory effects. Unlike other sedatives, it does not suppress REM sleep. Its side effects include an unpleasant taste, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, malaise, lightheadedness and nightmares. It has a low safety margin and weak analgesic powers. Paraldehyde is an anticonvulsant, used on occasion to ease the delirium tremens that accompany alcohol withdrawal.