section name header

Pronunciation

DAR-i-doe-REX-ant

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: sedative/hypnotics

Pharmacologic Classification: orexin receptor antagonists

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Antagonizes the effects of orexins A and B, naturally occurring neuropeptides that promote wakefulness, by binding to their receptors.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Improved sleep.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 62% absorbed following oral administration; a high-fat meal will delay absorption and sleep onset.

Distribution: Well distributed to tissues.

Protein Binding: 99.7%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Primarily metabolized in the liver via the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. Primarily excreted as metabolites in the feces (57%), with some excretion in the urine (28%).

Half-Life: 8 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(sleep)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO30 minunknown6 hr



Excess sedation may persist for several days after discontinuation.

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

GI: nausea, vomiting

Neuro: drowsiness, cataplexy, complex sleep behaviors (including sleep driving, sleep walking, or engaging in other activities while sleeping), dizziness, hallucinations (during sleep), headache, sleep paralysis, SUICIDAL IDEATION, worsening of depression

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Hepatic Impairment

Availability

Assessment

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Quviviq

Contr. Subst. Schedule

Schedule IV (C-IV)