Does Chloroform Ingestion Cause Drowsiness And Sleep?

Posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 Answered on

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, chloroform inhaling will make us sleep can we get same effect by consuming little chloroform?

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Relevant data provided.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir/Madam.

I understand your concern.

When ingested, chloroform caused symptoms similar to those seen following inhalation.

Serious illness has followed ingestion of 7.5 g.

The mean lethal oral dose for an adult is estimated to be about 45 g.

Therefore any quantity less than 3 g will lead a minor illness.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (12 hours later)

If some one consume with food an amount of 10g rather than injected what will happen?

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Relevant symptom profile provided.

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Sir/Madam.

I understand your concern.

I apologise for my delayed response.

Ingestion of 10 gm of chloroform can cause acute symptoms as the following.The severity of symptoms varies from individual to individual.Not all symptoms an intoxicated person may manifest.

Symptoms arise according to blood levels.

1.Early facial and body surface burning, excitement, euphoria,
2.Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, skin and mucous membrane irritation; 3.Then appear malaise, lethargy, mental disorders, breathing difficulty.
4.Liver and kidney damage.
5.Severe cases can result in heart rhythm disturbances.

6.Stomach burning sensation, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea are the common symptoms to result in many cases.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad