Zaleplon

It is a nonbenzodiazepine, pyrazolopyrimidine indicated in the treatment of insomnia. It is effective in reducing sleep latency. It posses sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant activity. It selectively binds to the benzodiazepine-1 (omega-1) receptor subtype and so it offers an improved tolerability profile. It has little interferance with sleep stages (REM & NREM).

Indications

Short-term treatment of insomnia.

Dosage

Adults : 10mg, should not exceed 20mg. Should be taken immedidately before bedtime or after the patient finds difficulty in falling asleep.

Contra-Indications

Patients who are hypersensitive to the drug. In severe hepatic insufficiency, sleep apnoea, myasthenia gravis or severe respiratory insufficiency.

Special Precautions

In patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, psychotic illness or depression, should not be used in pregnancy and lactation

Side Effects

Headache, somnolence, dizziness, migraine, constipation, dry mouth, depression, hypertonia, nervousness, thinking abnormality

Drug Interactions

Excess sedation may occur if taken with other drugs with sedative properties like antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, opoid analgesics, antiepileptics and sedative antihistamines. Concomitant use of erythromycin, ketoconazole or cimetidine increases Zaleplon levels. Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, may reduce the plasma concentration of the drug. Should not be taken after a heavy high-fatty meal as it lowers absorption.