J Korean Acad Pediatr Dent.  2020 May;47(2):228-234. 10.5933/JKAPD.2020.47.2.228.

Is it Impossible to Replace Chloral Hydrate in Dental Sedation of Pediatric Dentistry in Korea?

• Han M
• Kim J

• KMID: 2511439
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5933/JKAPD.2020.47.2.228

Abstract

Chloral hydrate (CH) has been used in sedation for over 100 years. CH was first synthesized in 1832, the sedative properties were observed in 1861. Because of its easy synthesis, its use was widespread since 1869. There is a record of the use of CH in children as early as 1894. Recently there have been many controversies about safety of CH. Because of the low cost and relatively safe experience CH has still been used for dental sedation in children. After the US FDA recommendation in 2006, US pharmaceutical companies no longer produce commercial CH. However, CH has been used in the form of suspensions prepared from raw materials in many areas of the United States, and reports of adverse events related to death have continued.
CH is the most commonly used drug for sedation in Korea, and there have been some reports of side effects.
Dexmedetomidine, propofol and midazolam were introduced as an alternative for CH. There are various limitations in using them in the pediatric dentistry area and there are many things to consider.
The purpose of this review is to analyze the complications of CH and status of use in Korea, and to introduce alternatives to CH.