Zoldem
Sleep inducing agent
Description
Zoldem contains Zolpidem Tartrate, which is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class that binds selectively to the benzodiazepine Omega-1 receptor subtype of GABA-A receptor in the CNS. It is available as tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg for oral administration.
Indications
Zoldem is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
The duration of treatment should be from a few days to two weeks with a maximum of four weeks including justifiably tapering off where clinically appropriate.
Recommended Dosage
Zoldem should be taken just before retiring to bed.
Adults - The recommended daily dose for adults is 10 mg.
Elderly or debilated adults - Elderly or debilitated patients may be especially sensitive to the effects of zolpidem. Hence, 5 mg dose is recommended.
The total dose should not exceed 10 mg.
Action
Zolpidem, an imidazopyridine, is structurally unrelated to other hypnotic agents. It binds selectively to the Omega-1 receptor subtype (also known as the benzodiazepine-1 subtype) which constitutes the alpha-unit of the GABA-A receptor complex.
Whereas benzodiazepines non-selectively bind to all three omega receptor subtypes, zolpidem binds to the Omega-1 receptor preferentially. The modulation of the chloride anion channel via this receptor subtype leads to the specific sedative, hypnotic effects demonstrated by zolpidem. These effects of zolpidem are reversed by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil.
Objective assessments (polysomnography) of patients receiving zolpidem showed a decreased sleep onset latency, improved sleep efficiency and increased total sleep time. There were no effects on the number of awakenings or sleep architecture compared to placebo.
Presentation
Zolpidem tartrate is available as Zoldem-5 and Zoldem-10 tablets, the former containing 5 mg of Zolpidem tartrate and the latter containing 10 mg of Zolpidem tartrate. Zoldem-5 and Zoldem-10 are available in strips of 6 tablets each.
Composition
Each uncoated tablet contains :
Zoldem-5
| Zolpidem tartrate BP | 5 mg |
| Zolpidem tartrate BP | 10 mg |
