Clomethiazole

Clomethiazole (also called Chlormethiazole) is a sedative and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals) and in the U.K, Heminevrin® (AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals). Another brand name includes Nevrin® (in Romania). The drug is marketed either as a freebase in an oily suspension containing 192mg (about 3 grains) in capsule form, or as clomethiasole edisylate (ethane disulfonate) syrup.

Pharmacology

Chlormethiazole acts on alcohol in the body. This slows the rate of elimination of alcohol from the body, which helps to relieve the sudden effects of alcohol withdrawal in alcoholics.

Adverse effects

When misused, chlormethiazole can cause tolerance and physical dependence. Abrupt withdrawal may result in symptoms similar to those of sudden withdrawal of alcohol.

Notes

• The Who drummer, Keith Moon, died from an overdose of chlormethiazole. The coroner discovered 32 partially digested capsules in his stomach.^{[citation needed]}
• Abuse of this drug may involve the freebase being placed in a syringe and injected. This must be done quickly as the freebase is known to melt plastic.^{[citation needed]}