Complex sleep behaviors, including sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake, may occur following use of zaleplon. Some of these events may result in serious injuries, including death. Discontinue zaleplon immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior.
Insomnia, sleep onset:
Note: Limit long-term use (>4 weeks) to cases for which nonpharmacologic treatments are not available or not effective and benefits are felt to outweigh risks (Ref).
Oral: Initial: 5 to 10 mg once daily immediately before bedtime, as needed; may increase to 20 mg based on response and tolerability (maximum dose: 20 mg/day).
Discontinuation of therapy: Reduce by ~25% of the original dose each week or every other week. For patients taking higher doses of zaleplon (eg, 20 mg/day) for an extended period, tapering zaleplon even more slowly in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is encouraged (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Mild to moderate impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Severe impairment: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling (has not been studied).
Mild to moderate impairment: 5 mg immediately before bedtime
Severe impairment: Use is not recommended.
Avoid use (Ref).
Insomnia, sleep onset: Oral: Initial: 5 mg once daily immediately before bedtime, as needed; may increase to 10 mg based on response and tolerability (maximum dose: 10 mg/day).
Discontinuation of therapy: Refer to adult dosing.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%: Central nervous system: Headache (42%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Chest pain (≥1%), peripheral edema (≤1%)
Central nervous system: Dizziness (9%), drowsiness (5% to 6%), amnesia (2% to 4%), paresthesia (3%), altered sense of smell (2%), depersonalization (2%), hypoesthesia (2%), malaise (2%), hyperacusis (1% to 2%), abnormality in thinking (≥1%), anxiety (≥1%), depression (≥1%), migraine (≥1%), nervousness (≥1%), hallucination (1%), hypertonia (1%), vertigo (1%)
Dermatologic: Pruritus (≥1%), skin rash (≥1%), skin photosensitivity (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (8%), abdominal pain (6%), anorexia (2%), constipation (≥1%), dysgeusia (≥1%), dyspepsia (≥1%), xerostomia (≥1%), colitis (1%)
Genitourinary: Dysmenorrhea (3% to 4%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Asthenia (7%), tremor (2%), arthralgia (≥1%), arthritis (≥1%), back pain (≥1%), myalgia (≥1%)
Ophthalmic: Eye pain (3% to 4%), visual disturbance (2%), conjunctivitis (≥1%)
Otic: Otalgia (≤1%)
Respiratory: Bronchitis (≥1%), epistaxis (1%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (≥1%)
<1%: Abnormal gait, abnormal hepatic function tests, abnormal uterine bleeding, accommodation disturbance, acne vulgaris, ageusia, agitation, albuminuria, alopecia, anaphylaxis, anemia, angina pectoris, apathy, aphthous stomatitis, apnea, arthropathy, asthma, ataxia, bigeminy, biliary colic, bladder pain, blepharitis, blepharoptosis, bruxism, bundle branch block, bursitis, cataract, central nervous system stimulation, cerebral ischemia, cheilitis, chills, cholelithiasis, confusion, conjunctival hyperemia (subconjunctival hemorrhage), contact dermatitis, corneal erosion, cyanosis, cystitis, deafness, decreased libido, delusions, diabetes mellitus, diaphoresis, diplopia, dry eye syndrome, duodenal ulcer, dysarthria, dysphagia, dyspnea, dystonia, dysuria, ecchymoses, eczema, edema, emotional lability, enteritis, eosinophilia, eructation, esophageal achalasia, esophagitis, euphoria, facial edema, facial paralysis, flatulence, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gingival hemorrhage, gingivitis, glaucoma, glossitis, goiter, gout, hangover effect, heavy menstrual bleeding, hematuria, hemorrhage (eye), hiccups, hostility, hyperbilirubinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperesthesia, hyperglycemia, hyperkinetic muscle activity, hyperreflexia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, hyperventilation, hypoglycemia, hypokinesia, hyporeflexia, hypotension, hypothyroidism, hypotonia, impaired consciousness, impotence, increased appetite, increased bronchial secretions, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, increased thirst, insomnia, intestinal obstruction, irregular menses, ketosis, labyrinthitis, laryngitis, leukocytosis, leukorrhea, lymphadenopathy, lymphocytosis, maculopapular rash, mastalgia, melanosis, melena, menopause, menstrual disease, myasthenia, myoclonus, myositis, neck stiffness, nephrolithiasis, neuralgia, neuropathy, nightmares, nystagmus disorder, oral mucosa ulcer, oral paresthesia, orthostatic hypotension, osteoporosis, palpitations, paradoxical central nervous system stimulation, peptic ulcer, pericardial effusion, photophobia, pleural effusion, pneumonia, psoriasis, psychomotor retardation, pulmonary embolism, purpuric disease, pustular rash, rectal hemorrhage, renal pain, reduced urine flow, retinal detachment, sialorrhea, sinus bradycardia, skin discoloration, skin hypertrophy, slurred speech, snoring, stomatitis, stupor, substernal pain, syncope, tachycardia, tenosynovitis, thrombophlebitis, tinnitus, tongue discoloration, tongue edema, trismus, urethritis, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, urticaria, vaginal hemorrhage, vaginitis, vasodilatation, ventricular premature contractions, ventricular tachycardia, visual field defect, voice disorder, watery eyes, weight gain, weight loss, xeroderma
Frequency not defined:
Central nervous system: Central nervous system depression, complex sleep-related disorder
Hypersensitivity: Angioedema, hypersensitivity condition
Postmarketing: Anaphylaxis, nightmares, nonimmune anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity to zaleplon or any component of the formulation; patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking zaleplon.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Abnormal thinking/behavioral changes: Hypnotics/sedatives have been associated with abnormal thinking and behavior changes including decreased inhibition, aggression, bizarre behavior, agitation, hallucinations, and depersonalization. Amnesia and other neuropsychiatric symptoms may occur unpredictably and may indicate previously unrecognized psychiatric disorders; evaluate appropriately.
• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression impairing physical and mental capabilities; caution patients about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery, driving). The risk of next-day psychomotor impairment is increased if patient is unable to stay in bed for a full night of sleep (7 to 8 hours), if a higher-than-recommended dose is taken, and/or if coadministered with other CNS depressants or other drugs that increase the blood levels of zaleplon. Dose adjustment may be necessary if taking concomitant CNS depressants; use with other sedative-hypnotics at bedtime or in the middle of the night is not recommended.
• Complex sleep behaviors: Complex sleep behaviors (eg, preparing and eating food, making phone calls, having sex) while asleep have been reported. Patients usually do not remember these events. May occur with first use and at recommended dosages with or without the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, as well as angioedema, have been reported. Do not rechallenge patient if such reactions occur.
Disease-related concerns:
• Depression: Use with caution in patients with depression; worsening of depression, including suicide or suicidal ideation, has been reported with the use of hypnotics. Intentional overdose may be an issue in this population. The minimum dose that will effectively treat the individual patient should be used. Prescriptions should be written for the smallest quantity consistent with good patient care.
• Drug abuse: Use with caution in patients with a history of drug dependence, benzodiazepine abuse, or benzodiazepine-like hypnotic abuse.
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; dosage adjustment recommended in mild to moderate impairment. Use is not recommended in patients with severe impairment.
• Respiratory disease: Use with caution in patients with respiratory compromise, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or sleep apnea.
Special populations:
• Debilitated patients: Use with caution in debilitated patients; increased risk of impaired cognitive and/or motor performance. Dosage adjustment recommended; monitor closely.
• Older adult: Increased risk of impaired cognitive and/or motor performance and falls; monitor closely.
Dosage form specific issues:
• Tartrazine (FDC yellow #5): Capsules contain tartrazine; avoid in patients with sensitivity; reactions may be more frequently seen in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity; use caution in patients with asthma.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: Symptomatic treatment of insomnia should be initiated only after careful evaluation of potential causes of sleep disturbance. Failure of sleep disturbance to resolve after 7 to 10 days may indicate psychiatric and/or medical illness.
• Rapid onset: Because of the rapid onset of action, administer immediately prior to bedtime or after the patient has gone to bed and is having difficulty falling asleep.
• Rebound insomnia: Following withdrawal of therapy, transient insomnia may recur accompanied by other reactions, including restlessness, anxiety, and mood changes (Bélanger 2009).
• Withdrawal: A longer sleep-onset latency and increased awakenings during sleep may occur for 1 to 2 days following the discontinuation of GABA-mediated (GABAergic) medications. A more severe withdrawal syndrome may rarely occur following abrupt discontinuation or large decreases in dose after sustained use, and is characterized by abdominal pain, anxiety, confusion, delirium, disorientation, euphoria, hypertension, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, speech difficulties, seizures, and tremor. This withdrawal syndrome is generally mild and infrequent and resolves within weeks or upon re-initiation of the GABAergic medication. Intermittent dosing may reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms (BAP [Wilson 2019]; Schifano 2019).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Oral:
Generic: 5 mg, 10 mg
Yes
Capsules (Zaleplon Oral)
5 mg (per each): $3.65 - $3.69
10 mg (per each): $3.75 - $3.79
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
C-IV
Oral: Administer immediately before bedtime or when the patient is in bed and cannot fall asleep. Do not take with, or immediately following, a high-fat meal (may delay onset).
An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020859s016lbl.pdf#page=21, must be dispensed with this medication.
Insomnia, sleep onset: Short-term treatment of insomnia (ie, up to 30 days).
Zaleplon may be confused with Zelapar, Zemplar, zolpidem, ZyPREXA Zydis
Beers Criteria: Zaleplon, a nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine-receptor agonist hypnotic, is identified in the Beers Criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication to be avoided in patients 65 years and older (independent of diagnosis or condition) due to adverse events similar to benzodiazepines in older adults (eg, delirium, falls, fractures) and an increase in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and motor vehicle crashes. In addition, improvement in sleep latency and duration is minimal (Beers Criteria [AGS 2023]).
Sonata [multiple international markets] may be confused with Soriatane [US, Canada, and multiple international markets]
Sonata brand name for zaleplon [multiple international markets], but also brand name for carisoprodol [Croatia] and for saccharomyces boulardii [India]
Substrate of CYP3A4 (Major with inducers), CYP3A4 (Minor with inhibitors); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential;
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acrivastine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor
Alizapride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Amisulpride (Oral): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Articaine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider reducing the dose of articaine if possible when used in patients who are also receiving CNS depressants. Monitor for excessive CNS depressant effects with any combined use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Azelastine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Benperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor
Brimonidine (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Bromopride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Bromperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Buclizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
BusPIRone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor
Cetirizine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of chloral hydrate or chloral betaine and additional CNS depressants. If combined, consider a dose reduction of either agent and monitor closely for enhanced CNS depressive effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chlormethiazole: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Cimetidine: May increase serum concentration of Zaleplon. Management: The initial dose of zaleplon should be limited to 5 mg in patients taking cimetidine. Monitor patients for increased zaleplon effects/toxicities (ie, sedation, CNS depression) when these agents are combined. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
CNS Depressants: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease serum concentration of Zaleplon. Risk C: Monitor
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May decrease serum concentration of Zaleplon. Management: Consider the use of an alternative hypnotic that is not metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients receiving strong CYP3A4 inducers. If zaleplon is combined with a strong CYP3A4 inducer, monitor for decreased effectiveness of zaleplon. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Dantrolene: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Daridorexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Difelikefalin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Difenoxin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Dihydralazine: CNS Depressants may increase hypotensive effects of Dihydralazine. Risk C: Monitor
Dimethindene (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Dothiepin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Doxylamine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Doxylamine. Risk C: Monitor
DroPERidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Emedastine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk C: Monitor
Entacapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Esketamine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
HydrOXYzine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Ixabepilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Kava Kava: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Ketotifen (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Kratom: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Lemborexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Levocetirizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lisuride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lofepramine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lofexidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Loxapine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Loxapine. Management: Consider reducing the dose of CNS depressants administered concomitantly with loxapine due to an increased risk of respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension, and syncope. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Magnesium Sulfate: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Melatonin: May increase sedative effects of Hypnotics (Nonbenzodiazepine). Risk C: Monitor
Melitracen [INT]: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Mequitazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Metergoline: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Methoxyflurane: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Metoclopramide: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor
Minocycline (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Moxonidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Nabilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Nalfurafine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Noscapine: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Noscapine. Risk X: Avoid
Olopatadine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Opicapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Opipramol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid
Oxomemazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Oxybate Salt Products: Hypnotics (Nonbenzodiazepine) may increase CNS depressant effects of Oxybate Salt Products. Risk X: Avoid
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Paliperidone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid
Perampanel: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Periciazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Phenobarbital-Primidone: May decrease serum concentration of Zaleplon. Risk C: Monitor
Pipamperone: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor
Pizotifen: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor
Procarbazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Rilmenidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid
Trimeprazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Valerian: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Zuranolone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of zuranolone with other CNS depressants or alcohol. If combined, consider a zuranolone dose reduction and monitor patients closely for increased CNS depressant effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
High-fat meals prolong absorption; delay Tmax by 2 hours, and reduce Cmax by 35%. Management: Avoid taking after a high-fat meal.
Adverse events were observed in some animal reproduction studies. A small study of pregnant women did not show an increased risk of teratogenic effects when used early in pregnancy (Wikner 2011). Use during pregnancy is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Zaleplon is excreted in human milk with the highest concentration ~1 hour after administration; therefore, the manufacturer does not recommend use while breast-feeding.
Avoid taking with or after a heavy, high-fat meal; reduces absorption.
Daytime alertness; fall risk; respiratory rate (patients with compromised respiration); behavior changes; tolerance, abuse, and dependence; reevaluate if insomnia persists after 30 days of use.
Zaleplon is unrelated to benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other hypnotics. However, it interacts with the benzodiazepine GABA receptor complex. Nonclinical studies have shown that it binds selectively to the brain omega-1 receptor situated on the alpha subunit of the GABA-A receptor complex.
Onset of action: Rapid
Absorption: Rapid and almost complete; high-fat meal delays absorption
Distribution: Vd: ~1.4 L/kg
Protein binding: ~45% to 75%
Metabolism: Extensive, primarily via aldehyde oxidase to form 5-oxo-zaleplon and, to a lesser extent, by CYP3A4 to desethylzaleplon; all metabolites are pharmacologically inactive
Bioavailability: ~30%
Half-life elimination: ~1 hour
Time to peak, serum: ~1 hour
Excretion: Urine (~70% primarily metabolites, <1% as unchanged drug); feces (~17%)
Clearance: Plasma: Oral: 3 L/hour/kg
Hepatic function impairment: Oral Cl was reduced 70% and 87% in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients, respectively.
Race/ethnicity: Cmax and AUC were increased 37% and 64%, respectively in Asian populations.