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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Benzodiazepine related drugs
zopiclone
N05CF01
Forms & Strengths
- Tablet: 3.75 mg
- Tablet: 7.5 mg
Adult Dosing
- Short-term treatment of insomnia: 7.5 mg orally immediately before bedtime
- Elderly or debilitated patients: Initial dose 3.75 mg orally immediately before bedtime, max 7.5 mg
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been established; not recommended
Indications
- Short-term management of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings, or early awakenings
Mechanism of Action
- Cyclopyrrolone derivative that acts as a non-benzodiazepine hypnotics agent
- Interacts with the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, enhancing GABA-mediated neuronal inhibition in the central nervous system
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to zopiclone or any excipients
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Severe respiratory insufficiency or sleep apnea syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
Adverse Reactions
- Bitter or metallic taste
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue
- Headache
- Next-day residual sedation
- Psychiatric and paradoxical reactions: confusion, depression, agitation, hallucinations, complex sleep behaviors (e.g., sleep-driving)
Drug Interactions
- Central nervous system depressants (alcohol, opioids, antipsychotics, other hypnotics): potentiate sedative effects and respiratory depression
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole): may increase plasma concentrations and effects of zopiclone
- CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, St. John's wort): may decrease plasma concentrations and efficacy of zopiclone
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use