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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Chloroformum
Generic Name
Chloroformum
Active Ingredient
ChloroformCategory
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
7
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-0260 |
| 200 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-0263 |
| 100 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-0262 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Chloroformum, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 30 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-0261 |
| 500 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-0264 |
| 1 [hp_M]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-0265 |
| 6 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-0259 |
Detailed information about Chloroformum
Chloroform is a halogenated hydrocarbon historically used as a general anesthetic and currently utilized as a pharmaceutical solvent, antiseptic, and in the processing of allergenic extracts.
There is no standardized "adult dose" for Chloroform in modern clinical practice, as it is no longer used as a primary anesthetic. When used as a solvent in the preparation of allergenic extracts, the dosage is determined by the concentration of the allergen itself, not the Chloroform used in processing. In historical anesthetic contexts, concentrations of 1% to 4% in inspired air were used to induce anesthesia, with maintenance levels at 0.5% to 1.0%. However, these levels are now considered highly toxic and are not used in modern medicine.
Chloroform is not approved for pediatric use. Children are particularly susceptible to the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of halogenated hydrocarbons. Exposure in pediatric populations is usually accidental and constitutes a medical emergency.
Chloroform is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing renal disease. The reactive metabolite phosgene is known to cause acute tubular necrosis. In patients with any degree of renal impairment, even trace exposure must be carefully monitored by a healthcare professional.
Chloroform is strictly contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment. Because the liver (specifically the CYP2E1 enzyme) is the primary site of both metabolism and toxicity, individuals with liver disease are at an exponentially higher risk for centrilobular necrosis and liver failure.
Geriatric patients often have reduced physiological reserve and may have undiagnosed renal or hepatic decline. Exposure to Chloroform-containing products in this population requires extreme caution and frequent monitoring of vital signs and organ function.
In modern medical settings, Chloroform is not "taken" by the patient in the traditional sense. Instead, it may be encountered in the following ways:
As Chloroform is not typically used for chronic maintenance therapy, the concept of a "missed dose" does not apply in the traditional sense. If you are receiving allergenic extract injections that were processed with Chloroform and you miss an appointment, contact your allergist immediately to resume the schedule safely.
Chloroform overdose is a life-threatening emergency. Signs of acute toxicity include:
Emergency Measures: If Chloroform is ingested or inhaled in excess, move the person to fresh air immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency services. There is no specific antidote for Chloroform; treatment is supportive, focusing on maintaining the airway, providing supplemental oxygen, and monitoring cardiac rhythm and liver enzymes.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions for any prescribed extracts. Do not attempt to use Chloroform for any purpose without direct medical supervision.
When exposed to Chloroform vapors or high concentrations, the following common side effects are frequently observed:
Chloroform is a hazardous chemical that requires stringent handling protocols. It is not intended for consumer use. Patients receiving medications that utilize Chloroform in the manufacturing process (such as allergenic extracts) should be aware that the final product contains only negligible, safe residual amounts as defined by USP <467> standards for residual solvents.
No formal FDA black box warning exists for Chloroform because it is not an FDA-approved prescription drug for patient administration. However, the FDA has banned its use in drugs and cosmetics since 1976 due to its status as a carcinogen and its organ toxicity. In occupational settings, it is treated with the highest level of caution.
Chloroform must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Chloroform is classified as a developmental toxicant. It readily crosses the placental barrier. According to studies published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Chloroform exposure during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and fetal growth retardation in animal models. In humans, its use during labor is contraindicated due to the risk of respiratory depression in the neonate and the risk of uterine atony (loss of muscle tone) in the mother, which can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Chloroform is excreted into breast milk. Because of its high lipid solubility, it can concentrate in the milk's fat globules. The effects on a nursing infant include sedation, poor feeding, and potential organ toxicity. Breastfeeding is not recommended if the mother has been significantly exposed to Chloroform.
Chloroform is not approved for use in children. The pediatric population has a higher metabolic rate and developing organ systems that are more susceptible to the toxic effects of phosgene. Historical data shows that children were at a higher risk of "delayed Chloroform poisoning," where liver failure occurred several days after exposure.
Chloroform's primary mechanism of action involves the modulation of protein-gated ion channels. It is a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors. By binding to specific pockets within the receptor complex, it increases the frequency of chloride channel opening in response to GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. This results in neuronal hyperpolarization. Additionally, Chloroform activates Two-Pore Domain Potassium (K2P) channels, specifically TREK-1, which allows potassium to leak out of the cell, further stabilizing the resting membrane potential and preventing the firing of action potentials.
The pharmacodynamic effect of Chloroform is dose-dependent CNS depression. At low concentrations, it provides analgesia; as the concentration increases, it induces amnesia, loss of consciousness, and muscle relaxation. The "therapeutic index" of Chloroform is very narrow, meaning the dose required for anesthesia is uncomfortably close to the dose that causes respiratory and cardiac arrest. It also exhibits a significant "pro-arrhythmic" effect by sensitizing the heart to endogenous catecholamines.
Common questions about Chloroformum
Today, Chloroform is primarily used as a solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory research rather than as a direct medical treatment. It is utilized in the extraction of plant-based medicines and the processing of allergenic extracts, such as those for insect venoms or pollen. In these cases, the Chloroform is used to remove fats or stabilize proteins and is then removed from the final product. It is no longer used as a general anesthetic in humans due to its high toxicity to the liver and heart. You will most commonly find it mentioned in the context of chemical synthesis or as a residual solvent in medical device manufacturing.
The most common side effects of Chloroform exposure include dizziness, a sense of euphoria or 'drunkenness,' and a severe headache. Many individuals also experience significant nausea and vomiting, which can occur both during and after exposure. If the liquid touches the skin, it often causes redness and irritation because it dissolves the natural oils on the skin's surface. At higher levels of inhalation, it leads to profound drowsiness and eventual loss of consciousness. Because of these risks, any exposure should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
No, you should never consume alcohol if you are exposed to Chloroform or using products that contain it. Alcohol induces a specific liver enzyme called CYP2E1, which is responsible for breaking Chloroform down into phosgene, a highly toxic gas that destroys liver cells. Combining alcohol and Chloroform significantly increases your risk of acute liver failure and death. Additionally, both substances are central nervous system depressants, and taking them together can lead to a dangerous level of sedation or coma. Always discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor if you work with industrial chemicals.
Chloroform is not considered safe during pregnancy and is classified as a developmental toxin. It easily crosses the placenta and can reach the developing fetus, potentially causing growth retardation or other developmental issues. In animal studies, exposure to Chloroform has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects. For the mother, Chloroform can cause the uterus to relax excessively, which poses a major risk of severe bleeding during delivery. Pregnant women should avoid all environments where Chloroform vapors might be present.
When inhaled, Chloroform works almost instantly, with effects on the brain beginning within seconds. This rapid onset is due to its high lipid solubility, which allows it to pass from the lungs into the bloodstream and across the blood-brain barrier very quickly. Peak concentrations in the brain are typically reached within minutes of the start of inhalation. If ingested, the effects take slightly longer to appear as the drug must be absorbed through the stomach and intestines. However, because of its extreme toxicity, Chloroform should never be used to induce sleep or anesthesia outside of a controlled, historical medical setting.
Since Chloroform is not used as a daily or chronic medication, there is no 'withdrawal' process like there is with drugs like antidepressants or opioids. However, if you have been chronically exposed to Chloroform in an occupational setting, stopping exposure is necessary for your health but must be accompanied by medical monitoring. A doctor will need to check your liver and kidney function to ensure that no long-term damage has occurred. Sudden cessation of exposure will stop the immediate CNS effects, but the toxic metabolites may remain in your system for a short period. Always follow the guidance of an occupational health specialist.
Chloroform is not prescribed in a 'dose' format for patients to take at home. If you are referring to a medical treatment that used Chloroform in its manufacturing, such as an allergy shot, and you miss your appointment, you should contact your allergist's office. They will provide instructions on when to come in for your next injection. Do not attempt to 'make up' for a missed medical procedure by using any chemical products yourself. If you are involved in a clinical trial or treatment plan, your healthcare provider will manage the timing of all administrations.
There is no evidence that Chloroform causes weight gain in humans. In fact, chronic exposure to Chloroform is more likely to cause weight loss due to its toxic effects on the liver and gastrointestinal system, which can lead to a loss of appetite and nausea. Because Chloroform is stored in the body's fat cells (adipose tissue), individuals with a higher body fat percentage may retain the chemical in their system for a longer period of time after exposure. This does not mean the chemical causes weight gain, but rather that body fat affects how the chemical is stored and eliminated.
Chloroform has many dangerous interactions with other medications and should generally not be combined with any other drugs. It is particularly dangerous when used with other CNS depressants like sleeping pills, anxiety medications, or opioid pain relievers, as this can stop your breathing. It also interacts fatally with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can cause the heart to stop. If you are taking medications for tuberculosis, such as Isoniazid, your risk of liver damage from Chloroform is much higher. Always provide your doctor with a full list of your medications before undergoing any procedure.
Chloroform is a basic chemical compound and is available as a generic bulk chemical for industrial and laboratory use. However, it is not available as a generic 'drug' that you can purchase at a pharmacy. The FDA banned Chloroform as an active ingredient in over-the-counter and prescription drug products in 1976. Any 'generic' Chloroform you find is intended for research or manufacturing purposes and is not safe for human consumption or inhalation. Always ensure that any medical products you use are FDA-approved and prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
> Warning: Stop using any product containing Chloroform and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Prolonged or chronic exposure to Chloroform (often in occupational settings) can lead to:
While Chloroform does not have a modern "Black Box Warning" in the way a newly approved pharmaceutical does (due to its age and restricted use), the FDA and OSHA provide clear regulatory warnings regarding its use. The primary warning emphasizes that Chloroform is a suspected human carcinogen and a potent hepatotoxin. It is strictly prohibited for use as a general anesthetic in human medicine due to the narrow margin of safety between the anesthetic dose and the lethal dose.
Report any unusual symptoms or suspected exposures to your healthcare provider or local poison control center immediately.
For individuals with potential chronic exposure (e.g., laboratory workers), the following monitoring is recommended:
Exposure to Chloroform vapors significantly impairs cognitive and motor functions. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in hazardous activities for at least 24 hours following any significant exposure to Chloroform or products containing it as a primary ingredient.
Alcohol (ethanol) is a potent inducer of the CYP2E1 enzyme, which is the same enzyme that metabolizes Chloroform into its toxic metabolite, phosgene. Drinking alcohol significantly increases the risk of severe liver damage from Chloroform exposure. Alcohol also compounds the CNS depressant effects, increasing the risk of coma.
As Chloroform is not used for long-term therapy, there is no withdrawal syndrome associated with discontinuation. However, if an individual has been chronically exposed in an industrial setting, cessation of exposure should be followed by a thorough medical evaluation of liver and kidney health.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions and potential environmental exposures with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment that may involve chemical solvents.
For each major interaction, the mechanism involves either the potentiation of CNS depression or the induction of metabolic pathways that increase the production of phosgene. Management always involves immediate cessation of exposure and supportive care.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially if you work in an environment where Chloroform is used.
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis by a physician:
Patients who have had an adverse reaction to other halogenated anesthetics (e.g., Halothane, Enflurane, Isoflurane) may exhibit cross-sensitivity to Chloroform. While the mechanisms of toxicity differ slightly, the chemical similarity warrants extreme caution.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of "malignant hyperthermia," before considering any procedure involving halogenated compounds.
Elderly patients are at an increased risk of complications from Chloroform due to:
In patients with a GFR below 30 mL/min, Chloroform is strictly avoided. The reactive metabolites can cause acute tubular necrosis, leading to a rapid decline in kidney function. There is no data suggesting that dialysis effectively removes Chloroform once it has distributed into the tissues.
Chloroform is contraindicated in any patient with a Child-Pugh score of B or C. The liver's inability to manage oxidative stress makes the production of phosgene during Chloroform metabolism nearly always leads to further cellular death.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and should avoid all non-essential exposure to halogenated solvents.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | ~100% (Inhalation/Oral) |
| Protein Binding | 60% - 80% |
| Half-life | 1.5 - 3 hours (Initial) |
| Tmax | < 5 minutes (Inhalation) |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP2E1) to Phosgene |
| Excretion | Exhalation (70%), Renal (30%) |
Chloroform is a Halogenated Hydrocarbon. Within the therapeutic area of anesthesiology, it is a volatile liquid anesthetic. In the context of the EPC (Established Pharmacologic Class), it is a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC] processing agent and an Antiseptic [EPC].