Zolpidem (Ambien®, Ambien CR®, Edluar®, Intermezzo®): Basic Information

This article was last reviewed, updated, or edited on July 14, 2024.

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.

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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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