THE MANAGEMENT OF ALCOHOL-WITHDRAWAL USING CHLORMETHIAZOLE

Chlormethiazole is an extremely useful and flexible drug for use in th e management of acute alcohol withdrawal. It is not a treatment for al cohol abuse and should not be used in this patient group, other than i n the withdrawal period, and then for less than 10 days. It is extreme ly safe when used correctly by practitioners familiar with its propert ies. Problems can arise, however, if used by practitioners unaware of its limitations and the precautions needed for safe prescribing.