Zaleplon

Key points

• Zaleplon is a short-term measure for falling asleep, not for staying asleep through the night.
• Its effect begins within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts around 2 to 4 hours.
• Pregnancy should be avoided while it is used, and breastfeeding is not recommended.

What Zaleplon is used for

Zaleplon is used for Insomnia, where the difficulty is getting to sleep at the beginning of the night. Sleep difficulties vary between people, and the pattern at the start of the night is the one this medicine targets. It is one part of a broader approach, and related options are grouped under Sleep Management.

How it works

Zaleplon interacts with the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex as a selective agonist. That raises inhibitory activity in the brain and induces sedation. GABA is the calming chemical whose activity is increased in the process, quietening brain activity so that drowsiness follows. The result is that falling asleep takes less time. It is classed as a hypnotic because of this sedative action.

Zaleplon tablets

MayChemist supplies Zaleplon as 10mg tablets, with zaleplon as the active ingredient and a single strength available. Orders are prepared by pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Who should not take it

Zaleplon is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment, myasthenia gravis and respiratory failure. Elderly patients need cautious use. Alertness may be impaired on the following day, so driving or any task that needs full attention should wait until that has passed. A history of sleep apnoea, substance dependency, or liver or kidney problems should be raised with a clinician beforehand.

Side effects and interactions

Dizziness and drowsiness are the common effects. Amnesia and paraesthesia are reported less often. Complex sleep behaviours and anaphylaxis are serious, and both require immediate medical attention. Some people notice problems with coordination on waking, and an unusual change in mood or physical response is a reason to stop and review it with a clinician.

Alcohol increases both the sedation and the risk of impairment. Cimetidine is the other interaction recorded. Medicines that influence liver enzymes can change how the body clears a medicine, so a combination is worth checking with a pharmacist.

Further reading

• Zaleplon: MedlinePlus Drug Information
• Zaleplon (oral route) - Mayo Clinic
• Insomnia - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• Zaleplon - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center