In vitro studies indicate that ethchlorvynol is dialyzable and is bound to plasma proteins only to a very small extent. Safety in pregnancy not yet established. Avoid use in patients using alcohol or barbiturates. Stomach upsets may be overcome by giving each dosage with a small quantity of milk. In cases of prolonged administration, physical and psychological dependence may be evidenced by withdrawal symptoms upon sudden discontinuance of the drug.
Ethchlorvynol has the potential for the development of physical and psychological dependence.
In view of ethchlorvynol's potential for inducing dependence, prolonged administration of the drug is not recommended. The drug should not be prescribed in large quantities for patients with suicidal tendencies. Use the drug with caution in patients receiving MAO inhibitors or antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Patients should be cautioned concerning driving a motor vehicle, operating machinery, or other hazardous operations requiring alertness shortly after taking ethchlorvynol. Ethchlorvynol has been reported to decrease the prothrombin time response in patients receiving oral anticoagulants.