Chloralose is a derivative of chloral hydrate. The portion of the latter that is released into the body is rapidly metabolized to trichloroethyl alcohol. This substance is a central nervous system depressant and can cause death. Because chloralose is very potent discrete amounts must be ingested for the person to fall asleep.
Diagnosis and treatment
If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, it is necessary to measure the concentration of trichloroethanol in the blood. The treatment is the same as that used in barbiturate or chloral hydrate overdose.
Source: Vadecum of poisoning therapy by Roy Goulding
