Used primarily as a sedative and hypnotic agent, especially in pediatric patients for preoperative sedation and to induce sleep for diagnostic procedures. It is also employed in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, though its use has declined due to the availability of safer alternatives. In veterinary medicine, it serves as a sedative and anesthetic for small animals. Chloral hydrate is utilized in chemical synthesis, particularly in the production of other pharmaceuticals and dyes. Additionally, it has been used in forensic toxicology as a reference standard due to its historical association with misuse as a date rape drug. Its metabolite, trichloroethanol, is responsible for the central nervous system depressant effects.