Zolp Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs - medicorepk

Zolp Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs

Uses

Zolpidem is used for a short time to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble falling asleep, it helps you fall asleep faster, so you can get a better night's rest. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect.

How to use zolpidem oral 

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zolpidem and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once a night. Since zolpidem works quickly, take it right before you get into bed. Do not take it with or after a meal because it will not work as quickly. If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, swallow whole. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules.

Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night's sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss and may have trouble safely doing any activity that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. (See also Precautions section.)

Dosage is based on your gender, age, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not take more than 10 milligrams a day. Women are usually prescribed a lower dose because the drug is removed from the body more slowly than in men. Older adults are usually prescribed a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects

Side Effects 

Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction.Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to zolpidem: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, changes in personality, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling short of breath;

• trouble breathing or swallowing; or

• feeling like you might pass out.

The sedative effect of zolpidem may be stronger in older adults.

Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Common zolpidem side effects may include:

• daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;

• tired feeling, loss of coordination;

• stuffy nose, dry mouth, nose or throat irritation;

• nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach; or

• headache, muscle pain.

  
  

  
  

  Precautions

  
  

  Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  Ambien CR and generic extended-release oral tablets only:

  • Starting dosage: 6.25 mg for women and 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg for men, taken right before bedtime. Take it only when you have at least 7–8 hours before you need to wake up.
  • Dosage increases: Your doctor may increase your dosage to 12.5 mg per day if the 6.25 mg dose is not effective.
  • Maximum dosage: 12.5 mg once per day taken right before bedtime.

  Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

  This medication hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

  Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

  The liver of an older adult may not work as well as it used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk for side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different treatment schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

  • Ambien CR and generic extended-release oral tablets only: 6.25 mg once per day taken right before bedtime.

  Special dosage considerations for people with liver disease

  • Ambien CR and generic extended-release oral tablets only: 6.25 mg once per day taken right before bedtime for people with mild to moderate liver disease. Avoid this drug if you have severe liver disease.

  
  

  FAQs

  
  

  1. What is the use of this medicine?
     This medicine is used for the treatment of insomnia (a sleeping disorder). It is used as a short term treatment only, i.e. for 1-2 weeks.
  2. What are its side effects? Its side effects are headache, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, dry mouth, chest pain, and palpitations.

  Serious side effects such as depression, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, behavior changes may occur. Consult your doctor right away.

  3. Is it safe for use during pregnancy and lactation?
     In pregnancy there hasn’t been any evidence of risk. This medicine is not recommended in lactating females. Consult your doctor for further assistance.
  4. How should it be administered?
     The treatment should be taken in a single intake and not be re-administered during the same night. It’s taken on empty stomach.
  5. How to store it?
     Do not store above 30°C or in a moist or warm place.
  6. What are its precautions?
     Liver impairment, depression, history of alcohol and drug abuse. Psychiatric disorders. Rebound insomnia and dependence of stopping treatment. Risk of sleepwalking & associated behaviors. Withdraw gradually.
  7. What are its contraindications?

  Obstructive sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep), Myasthenia Gravis (neuromuscular disease), respiratory depression and psychotic illness.