Triclofos is a sedative drug used rarely for treating insomnia, usually as a second-line treatment after other drugs have failed. Triclofos may cause dependence and should not be withdrawn suddenly. This drug should only be used for the short term relief of severe insomnia and should not be mixed with alcohol or other depressant drugs. Patients should not drive or use machinery after taking triclofos.

Triclofos is a prodrug which is metabolised in the liver into the active drug trichloroethanol. This delayed action means that the half-life of triclofos is fairly long and it may cause drowsiness the next day. Trichloroethanol may cause liver damage and triclofos should not be used for extended periods.

Side effects may include: headache, rash, dizziness, flatulence, confusion, nightmares, dependence, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and ataxia.