Zolpidem

Dosage forms are available.

• It is available in various forms that you can take orally.
• These include immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, sublingual tablets (which you place under your tongue to dissolve), and oral spray.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• It is typically prescribed for adults who have trouble falling asleep.
• Children should not use this medicine.

Contraindications

• Avoid taking Zolpidem if you are allergic to it or any inactive ingredients in the medicine.
• It's not safe to use this medication if you have sleep apnea (a condition where your breathing stops for short periods while you sleep), severe liver problems, or serious breathing problems.
• Patients with myasthenia gravis should not use this.
• It is also contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Other Medications to Avoid

• This medicine may interact with opioids (e.g., codeine, methadone), antiretroviral medications (e.g., ritonavir), antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, rifampin), and antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• In cases of overdose, symptoms may range from excessive sleepiness to coma. Immediate medical attention is required, including the potential use of gastric lavage and intravenous fluids.
• If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Avoid taking two dosages at once.

Management of Side Effects

• Most side effects may be temporary and will improve once the medicine is discontinued.
• Trying to relax or rest can help manage feelings of drowsiness or dizziness.
• Drinking plenty of water can help manage symptoms like dry mouth or throat.
• Light exercises can help alleviate muscle aches.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• This medication may cause drowsiness and decreased alertness, which may impair your ability to drive or operate machines. Therefore, avoid such activities when taking this medicine.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• This medicine falls under pregnancy category C, indicating that risk cannot be ruled out. It should be used during pregnancy only if needed.
• Consult your doctor before using it during lactation, as it is excreted in human milk, and its effects on the infant are unknown.

Caution in Other Conditions

• This medication should be used with caution in patients with depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, liver problems, kidney problems, and muscle weakness.
• It should also be used cautiously in patients with chronic pulmonary insufficiency or compromised respiratory function.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this because it can increase the levels of the medicine in your body.
• Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine, close to bedtime.
• It's important to maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle while taking this medication.
• Limit electronic device usage like smartphones and computers before sleeping.