Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: zaleplon
BRAND NAME: Sonata
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Zaleplon is a hypnotic (a medication that induces sleep) that is used for treating insomnia. It is chemically unrelated to the benzodiazepine class of medications for sleep, e.g. lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), flurazepam (Dalmane), triazolam (Halcion), and temazepam (Restoril), but it has similar effects because it attaches to the same receptors on nerve cells as these well-known medications. It was approved by the FDA in 1999.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules, 5mg, 10mg (green).
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room temperature,
between 15 and 30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Zaleplon is used for the short-term (7 to 10
days) treatment of insomnia.
DOSING: Zaleplon is taken at bedtime for assistance in
falling asleep. Because of its short duration of activity, it is not
effective for persons who wake up during the night. Zaleplon should be
taken immediately before bedtime or after going to bed and experiencing
difficulty falling asleep. Taking zaleplon with a high-fat meal slows its
absorption and may also slow its onset of action.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Rifampin reduces the amount of zaleplon in
the blood by more than 80%. This could lead to a decrease in zaleplon's activity.
Cimetidine (Tagamet) can greatly increase the amount of zaleplon in the
blood; if cimetidine must be used, lower doses of zaleplon are suggested. The drowsiness that can occur with zaleplon is accentuated by alcohol, and, therefore, patients taking zaleplon should not drink alcoholic beverages.
PREGNANCY: There are no studies of zaleplon in pregnant women. In
studies in rats, damage to fetuses has been reported. Therefore,
zaleplon is not suggested for pregnant women unless the physician feels the
benefits outweigh the potential risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: A small amount of zaleplon is excreted in
breast milk. Because the effects of zaleplon on nursing infants are unknown, it is recommended that nursing mothers not take zaleplon.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated with
zaleplon are headache, drowsiness, dizziness, amnesia, stomach ache, and muscle pain. Studies have shown that
zaleplon has a potential for abuse similar to benzodiazepine.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 1/16/2000 1:07:00 PM
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