PRECAUTIONS: Before taking zaleplon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to tartrazine dye or aspirin; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung/breathing problems, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression), alcohol use or drug dependence. Avoid alcohol, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this drug (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving, using machinery). You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop using this medication. This problem usually goes away after one or two nights. If sleep problems persist, consult with your doctor. Use with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline), ulcer medication (e.g., cimetidine). Also report any drugs causing drowsiness such as: other medicines for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medications (e.g., thioridazine), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check all medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold preparations, since many contain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult your pharmacist regarding safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.