(Legend)

Generic Name

• Zolpidem
  T½ = 2.5–2.6 h
  Schedule IV
  Pregnancy category B

Trade Name

• Ambien
• Ambien CR
• Edluar
• Intermezzo
• Zolpimist [oral spray]

Dose Range/Adult Daily Dose

• Range: 5–10 mg (men to start) hs; women: 5 mg to start.
  Usual: 5–10 mg po hs; CR: 12.5 mg po hs
  Intermezzo sublingual tab: middle-of-night awakening; 1.75/3.5 mg once nightly

Use/Common Side Effects (CSE)

• Use: Insomnia
  CSE: Amnesia, daytime drowsiness, “drugged” feeling, diarrhea, physical/psychological dependence (see FDA warning); NEW: Avoid driving day after Ambien CR: (levels remain high)

Geriatric & Dose Considerations

• Initial ↓ dose; geriatric or hepatic disease: Start: 5 mg po hs, may increase to 10 mg; CR: 6.25 mg po hs; use lowest dose; notable increase in ED visits for adverse reactions.

Classification

• Sedative/hypnotic

Assessment Cautions

• Caution in alcohol abuse and avoid use with CNS depressants. For short-term treatment of insomnia; after 2 wk, avoid abrupt withdrawal.