Zaleplon

Drug #1740

A non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (induces sleep), but acts at the benzodiazepine receptor. It is very short acting, it is not licensed for long term use in sleep disorders because dependence has been reported in a small number of patients.

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Primary Characteristics

Non-proprietary name: Zaleplon.

Pharmacokinetics

None recorded.

Indications

Zaleplon is primarily indicated in conditions like Insomnia, Nausea, vertigo, labyrinthine disorders.

Contraindications

Zaleplon is contraindicated in conditions like Myasthenia gravis, Sleep apnea syndrome, Breast feeding, Treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease.

Dosage

None recorded.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Zaleplon is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Amnesia , Asthenia , Dependence , Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache, Paradoxical effects.

Warnings / Precautions

Zaleplon should be used with caution in patients with respiratory insufficiency (avoid if severe); hepatic impairment (can precipitate coma; avoid chloral hydrate; reduce dose to 5 mg; avoid if severe); history of drug or alcohol abuse; avoid prolonged use (and abrupt withdrawl thereafter); pregnancy (avoid in early pregnancy ; risk of neonatal withdrawl symptoms if used in late pregnancy); not for use alone to treat depression.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Drug Classification

1.24.3 — Drugs used in anxiety and sleep disorders