Zaleplon (Zaleplon)
Overview of Zaleplon
A non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (induces sleep), but acts at the benzodiazepine receptor. It is very short acting, it is not licensed for long term use in sleep disorders because dependence has been reported in a small number of patients.
Indication of Zaleplon
Zaleplon is primarily indicated in conditions like Insomnia, Nausea, vertigo, labyrinthine disorders.
Contraindication of Zaleplon
Zaleplon is contraindicated in conditions like Myasthenia gravis,Sleep apnea syndrome,Breast feeding,Treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease.
Side Effects of Zaleplon
The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Zaleplon are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Asthenia, Paradoxical effects, Amnesia, Dependence.
Precautions of Zaleplon
Zaleplon should be used with caution in patients with respiratory insufficiency (avoid if severe); hepatic impairment (can precipitate coma; avoid chloral hydrate; reduce dose to 5 mg; avoid if severe); history of drug or alcohol abuse; avoid prolonged use (and abrupt withdrawl thereafter); pregnancy (avoid in early pregnancy ; risk of neonatal withdrawl symptoms if used in late pregnancy); not for use alone to treat depression.