Zolpidem CR
AMBIEN CR
What it isControlled-release GABA-A positive modulator; insomnia involving sleep onset and maintenance.
Why this oneIts biphasic tablet (outer layer for onset, core for maintenance) is labeled for sleep-maintenance insomnia, unlike IR.
What limits itBoxed complex sleep behaviors can occur after any exposure; next-day impairment, falls, and dependence also matter.
FDA-approved for
- insomnia (onset + maintenance) (2005)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term treatment of insomnia (sleep onset and/or maintenance) | Adults | 6.25 mg QHS (women); 6.25 or 12.5 mg QHS (men) | 12.5 mg QD | |
| Short-term treatment of insomnia | Geriatric/debilitated or mild–moderate hepatic impairment | 6.25 mg QHS | 6.25 mg QD |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Mild–moderate: 6.25 mg QHS. Avoid in severe hepatic impairment (may precipitate encephalopathy).
Single dose per night; do not readminister during the same night
Instructions
- Swallow whole; do not crush, divide, or chew
- Take immediately before bedtime with ≥7–8 h remaining before awakening
- Effect may be slowed if taken with or immediately after a meal
Contraindications
- Patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking zolpidem
Cautions
- Complex sleep behaviors
- CNS depression and next-day impairment (esp. 12.5 mg)
- Severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema
- Abnormal thinking/behavior changes
- Withdrawal effects
Adverse reactions
- Headache
- Next-day somnolence
- Dizziness
Pregnancy Late third-trimester use may cause neonatal respiratory depression and sedation.
Lactation May pump and discard breast milk during treatment and for 23 h after a dose.
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Complex sleep behaviors including sleepwalking and sleep-driving
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Mechanism of action: Zolpidem CR ballicule
Open Zolpidem CR in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
