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zolpidem tartrate
Ambien, Stilnoct§

Controlled Substance Schedule IV

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Tablets:
5 mg, 10 mg

Action
Although drug interacts with one of three identified gamma-aminobutyric acid-benzodiazepine receptor complexes, it isn't a benzodiazepine. It exhibits hypnotic activity but no muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant properties.

Indications & dosage
Short-term management of insomnia--

Adults:
10 mg P.O. immediately before bedtime.
Elderly:
5 mg P.O. immediately before bedtime. Maximum daily dose is 10 mg.
Adjust-a-dose:
For debilitated patients and for those with hepatic insufficiency, 5 mg P.O. immediately before bedtime. Maximum daily dose is 10 mg.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
daytime drowsiness, light-headedness, abnormal dreams, amnesia, dizziness, headache, hangover, sleep disorder, lethargy, depression.
CV:
palpitations.
EENT:
sinusitis, pharyngitis, dry mouth.
GI:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain.
Musculoskeletal:
myalgia, arthralgia.
Skin:
rash.
Other:
back or chest pain, flulike syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
CNS depressants: excessive CNS depression. Use together cautiously.
Drug-lifestyle
. Alcohol use: excessive CNS depression. Use together cautiously.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
No known contraindications.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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