Zopiclone
Generic Details
Generic Name
Zopiclone
Other Names
- Imovane
- Zimovane
Drug Class
- Non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic
Chemical Formula
C17H17ClN6O3
Molecular Weight
388.81 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Enhances the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA's effects at the GABA-A receptor site
Indications
- Short-term treatment of insomnia
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 5-7.5 mg at bedtime
Pediatric Dosage
- Safety and efficacy not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Initiate at 3.75 mg at bedtime
Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to zopiclone
- Severe respiratory insufficiency
- Severe hepatic impairment
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Use with caution, excretion in breast milk reported
Drug Interactions
- Alcohol
- Other CNS depressants
- CYP3A4 inhibitors
Overdose Symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Mental confusion
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
Antidote for Overdose
- Flumazenil - Selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed
- Distribution: Widely distributed
- Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4
- Excretion: Mainly through renal excretion
Precautions
- History of substance abuse
- Depression
- Renal or hepatic impairment
Warnings
- May cause drowsiness, use caution when operating machinery or driving