What is Zolpidem tartrate - Meaning and definition

The tartrate salt of an imidazopyridine with non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine-receptor agonist and sedative-hypnotic activities.
Zolpidem binds selectively to the alpha 1 subunit of the omega-1 (BZ1) receptor of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A ) receptor-chloride ionophore complex, thereby opening neuronal chloride channels, hyperpolarizing neuronal cell membranes, and inhibiting neuronal firing.
In contrast, benzodiazepines non-selectively bind to and activate all omega receptor subtypes, exhibiting anticonvulsant and myorelaxant activities in addition to a sedative-hypnotic activity.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. June 15, 2016.

Indication: short-term management of insomnia

Adult, PO
Immediate release: 5-10 mg at bedtime. Max: 10 mg/day; extended release 6.25-12.5 mg at bedtime. Max: 12.5 mg/day. Max duration: 4 wk including tapering.

Adverse drug reactions: atypical thinking and behaviour, hallucination, nightmare, somnolence, somnambulism, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, drowsiness, asthenia, ataxia, rebound insomnia, amnesia, etc.

See reference for details.

CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Zolpidem tartrate

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