Editing Paraldehyde (section)

===As a hypnotic/sedative===
It was commonly used to induce sleep in sufferers from [[delirium tremens]] but has been replaced by other drugs in this regard. It was considered to have been one of the safest hypnotics and was regularly given at bedtime in [[psychiatric hospital]]s and [[geriatrics|geriatric]] wards until the 1970s {{citation needed|date=March 2023}}, but after it was confirmed that acetaldehyde is a confirmed category-1 human carcinogen, it could no longer be considered appropriately safe to use. Up to 30% of the dose is excreted via the lungs (the rest via the liver). This contributes to a strong unpleasant odour on the breath.