Zolpidem (Ambien® and generic, Ambien CR® and generic, Edluar®, Intermezzo® and generic) is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A agonist that is used as a hypnotic. Here is basic information about this medication.
Note: Zolpidem Oral Spray (Zolpimist®) brand name and generic has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.
FDA-approved indications
A. Short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty in sleep initiation
Oral tablet (Ambien® and generic) or sublingual tablet (Edluar®) may be indicated
B. Treatment of insomnia when a middle-of-the-night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep
Low-dose zolpidem sublingual tablet (Intermezzo® and generic) may be indicated
C. Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation and/or sleep maintenance
Extended-release oral tablets (Ambien CR® and generic) may be indicated
Dosage
1. Short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty in sleep initiation
Oral tablet (Ambien®) or sublingual tablet (Edluar®)
Initial: 5 mg (women), 5 or 10 mg (men) once daily at bedtime
Maximum: 10 mg once daily at bedtime
2. Treatment of insomnia when a middle-of-the-night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep
Low-dose sublingual tablet (Intermezzo®): 1.75 mg (women), 3.5 mg (men)
Note: Indicated only if more than four hours remain before the planned time of waking.
3. Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep maintenance and/or sleep initiation
Extended-release tablet (Ambien CR®)
Initial dose in women: 6.25 mg at bedtime
Initial dose in men: 12.5 mg at bedtime
Maximum dose in both men and women: 12.5 mg at bedtime
Special Considerations: In elderly, debilitated, and patients with hepatic impairment, start with the lowest dose (refer to the Prescribing information for details)
Dosage forms and strengths
Oral tablet (Ambien®): 5 mg, 10 mg
Sublingual tablet (Edluar®): 5 mg, 10 mg
Extended-release tablet (Ambien CR®): 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg
Low-dose sublingual tablet (Intermezzo®): 1.75 mg and 3.5 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Practical tips on using hypnotics: the Z drugs
Practical tips on using hypnotics: benzodiazepines
Three important pieces of information about benzodiazepines
Relaxation Practice: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Anxiety, Tension, and Insomnia
Sleep Hygiene worksheets—Part 1 and Part 2
Sleep log: Ten important questions about the person’s sleep
References
Zolpidem oral tablet prescribing information
Zolpidem sublingual tablet prescribing information
Zolpidem extended-release oral tablet prescribing information
Zolpidem low-dose sublingual tablet prescribing information
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