General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Zaso cap (Cadila)
Stilnite cap (Zy.Neuro)
Zaleplon is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Zaleplon pronounced as: ZAH le plon
Zaleplon is a sedative/ hypnotic drug belonging to Benzodiazepine group.
Zaleplon is used in the short term management of Insomnia (difficulty in falling sleep)
- Take zaleplon exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take zaleplon just before going to bed. It is very essential that you have uninterrupted sleep for at least 6-8hrs.
- Avoid taking heavy/ fatty meals 2 hrs before taking zaleplon medication as it decreases its absorption making it less effective.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor as it may lead to drug- dependence.
- Do not skip doses or stop taking zaleplon without consulting your doctor. As it may worsen insomnia (rebound Insomnia)
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like,
- Anti histamines like cetrizine, pheniramine etc
- Cimetidine (gastric medicine)
- Anti convulsants like phenytoin. Phenobarbitone, carbamazepine
- Antibiotics like erythromycin, Rifampicin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Narcotic painkillers like pethidine, morphine etc
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical diseases , as Zaleplon should be used cautiously in these conditions
- Liver disease
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Lung diseases like asthsma, chronic bronchitis etc
- History of alcoholism or drug abuse
- Respiratory insufficiency
Do not take zaleplon if you are hypersensitive to it.
Children:
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Zaleplon belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that zaleplon may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether zaleplon passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take zaleplon with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other:
Avoid alcohol as it may increase sedation due to zaleplon and may lead life threatening respiratory depression.
Zaleplon is available in the form of capsule.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The overdose symptoms of Zaleplon include
- Drowsiness
- Shallow breathing
- Light headedness
- Coma
Zaleplon may cause following side effects
- Headache
- Decrease appetite
- Day time drowsiness/ hang over
- Dryness of mouth
- Body pains
- Anxiety , nervousness
- Visual disturbances
- Menstrual cramps
Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms.
- Allergic reaction like swollen lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, rashes. Peeling of skin etc
- Amnesia/ forgetfulness
- Blurring of vision/ double vision
- Hallucination
- Behavioural changes
- Suicidal thoughts
- Complex sleep related behaviour like sleep walking/ driving
Store zaleplon at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Zaleplon should be used only for short term management of sleeplessness. As it effectiveness decreases when used for a prolonged period and may also lead to drug dependence.
- Zaleplon causes dizziness, hang over and drowsiness as side effects. Therefore when affected do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform unsafe tasks.
- Zaleplon should be withdrawn gradually as it may lead to worsening of insomnia (rebound insomnia) and behavioural changes.
- Always ensure that you get at least 6-8hrs of uninterrupted sleep after taking zaleplon otherwise it can lead to memory loss and hang over.
- Inform your doctor prior to any surgery regarding zaleplon medication as it may have to be stopped briefly before the procedure.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date: May 12, 2011