Zolpidem Tartrate (Sedative)

Question 1

What are the brand names for zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 1

Ambien (CR), Intermezzo

Question 2

What strength tablets are available for zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 2

5 mg and 10 mg

Question 3

What strength controlled-release tablets are available for the zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 3

6.25 mg and 12.5 mg

Question 4

What strength sublingual tablets are available for zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 4

1.75 mg and 3.5 mg (Intermezzo)

Question 5

What is the other dosage form of zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 5

Zolpidem tartrate is also available as a 5 mg oral spray dosage form.

Question 6

What dose of Ambien is used for the short term treatment of insomnia?

Answer 6

5 to 12.5 mg immediately before bedtime. In elderly, debilitated, or patients with hepatic insufficiency an initial dose of 5 mg or CR 6.25 mg does is recommended.

Downward dosage adjustments may be necessary when zolpidem is administered with agents having known CNS depressant effects because of the potentially additive affects.

Question 7

What is the mechanism of action for zolpidem?

Answer 7

Zolpidem ends to the Omega-1 receptor subtype of benzodiazepines nonselectively bind to all three types of the GABA receptor complex.

Question 8

What are the drug interactions for zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 8

Effects are increased when used with other CNS depressants.

Question 9

What are the contraindications for Ambien?

Answer 9

• Contraindicated in patients have previously experienced an episode of complex sleep behavior with eszopiclone, zaleplon, or zolpidem.
• Rare but serious injuries have occurred due to abnormal sleep behaviors including sleepwalking, sleep driving, and engaging in other activities when not fully awake.
• rare cases of angioedema have occurred after the first and subsequent doses of zolpidem.
• Use with caution in the elderly and/or debilitated patients, in patients with diseases or conditions that could affect metabolism or hemodynamic responses, and then patients exhibiting signs or symptoms of depression.
• Hypnotic agents may precipitate complex behavior such as sleep driving as well as other activities not fully recalled by the patient at a later time. Patient experiencing these effects should consider discontinuing the hypnotic.
• Pregnancy category C

Question 10

What are the adverse effects of zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 10

Short-term trials: Headache, drowsiness, nausea

Long-term trials: dry mouth, allergy, back pain, influenza like symptoms, palpitations, dizziness, lethargic, drugged feeling, depression, dyspepsia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, myalgia, arthralgia, upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, pharyngitis, rash, and urinary tract infection.

Question 11

What should the RPH tell the patient when counseling for zolpidem tartrate?

Answer 11

• CR tablet should be swallowed whole, and not divided, crushed, or chewed.
• Because of induced drowsiness, do not operate machinery or engage in activities with mental alertness is required.
• Avoid alcohol while taking his medication.
• Warning: this medication may be habit-forming