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