A Fatal Overdose of Paraldehyde During Treatment of a Case of Delirium Tremens

Abstract

Paraldehyde has been used as a hypnotic for almost one hundred years. At the present time, it is chiefly used for suppression of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. During its long use, paraldehyde has gained a reputation for extreme safety. Because of this reputation, it is often dispensed without due caution.