Bromal hydrate explained

Bromal hydrate is an organobromine compound with the chemical formula . It is the bromine analogue of chloral hydrate. Bromal hydrate forms when bromal is reacted with water. It decomposes to bromal and water upon distillation.^[1] It has hypnotic and analgesic properties but acts like a stimulant at lower doses.^[2] Bromal hydrate is more physiologically active than its chlorine analogue, chloral hydrate.^[3] Its direct effect on the heart muscles is stronger than that of chloral hydrate.^[2] Its analgesic effects were attributed to the proposed metabolism to bromoform.^[4]

It was also tried as a medication for epilepsy, but was found ineffective.^[1]

References

1. BROMAL – BROMAL HYDRATE, Stillé, A., Maisch, J. M. (1884). The National Dispensatory: Containing the Natural History, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Actions, and Uses of Medicine. Including Those Recognized in the Pharmacopoeias of the United States, Great Britain, and Germany, with Numerous References to the French Codex. H.C. Lea.
2. Bromal Hydrate (page 53), Cerna, D. (1894). Notes on the newer remedies. USA: W.B. Saunders.
3. BENNETT, J. H. (1875). Researches into the Antagonism of Medicines; being the report of the Edinburgh Committee of the British Medical Association ... Reprint from the British Medical Journal. J.&A. Churchill.
4. Bromal Hydrate, E. Steinauer (1871)