Zaleplon
Description
Zaleplon is a hypnotic and sedative which is used in severe sleep disorder. This medicine may increase the risk of habit-forming tendency if taken for a long duration or at larger doses. Do not stop abruptly taking this medicine as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients below 18 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Zaleplon
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety
- Nosebleed
- Dizziness and Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash
- Shortness of breath
Uses of Zaleplon
What is it prescribed for?
- Insomnia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes to 2 hours of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 3-4 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking this medicine due to the increased risk of adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?Habit forming tendency has been reported, if used for a prolonged period of time.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Zaleplon or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Severe Hepatic impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Withdrawal symptoms
Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may increase the risk of adverse effects such as convulsions, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety. A gradual dose reduction is recommended to avoid these reactions. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Drug dependence
Zaleplon have the tendency to cause dependency and abuse particularly after prolonged use or excessive dosages. Individuals with a history of alcohol or substance abuse should be treated carefully when they are on Zaleplon. The withdrawal of this medicine should be tapered off gradually.
Use in Children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Driving or Operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function tests, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. It is advised that you do not take this medicine during the daytime. If it is daytime, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule at bedtime. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking this medicine due to the increased risk of adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Escitalopram
Pregabalin
Opioids
Cetirizine
Disease interactions
Depression
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from depression due to the increased risk of confusion, suicidal thoughts, etc. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor on priority. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment.
Respiratory Disorders
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from respiratory diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function tests, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Glaucoma
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
This medicine is not recommended to take with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal because it may delay the onset of sleep.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by decreasing the excitability of brain cells and induces sleep.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Hypnotic and sedative agent
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed - Zaleplon - zaleplon capsule [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
Zaleplon - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 21 Feb 2019
Disclaimer
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