Eszopiclone

Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Isomer of zopiclone: Cyclopyrrolone

Indications

Insomnia (short-term use, up to 4 weeks).

Dosage

Adults: 2 mg before bedtime; may be increased to 3 mg. Elderly: 1 mg; may be increased to 2 mg. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Taste disturbance; less commonly nausea, vomiting; dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache; rarely amnesia, confusion, depression, hallucinations, nightmares; very rarely light headedness, in-coordination; paradoxical effects.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Marked neuromuscular respiratory weakness including unstable Myasthaenia gravis, respiratory failure, severe sleep apnoea syndrome. Precautions: Elderly; muscle weakness and Myasthaenia gravis, history of drug abuse, psychiatric illness; avoid prolonged use (risk of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms). Driving, drowsiness may persist the next day and affect performance of skilled tasks (e.g. driving); effects of alcohol enhanced.

Advice to Patient

Take immediately before bedtime because alertness is reduced. Contact prescriber if alertness is reduced while performing different activities and patient has no memory of the event. Do not take any antidepressant without consulting prescriber. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Sleep may be disturbed for the first few nights after therapy.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid; high-fat/heavy meal may delay absorption. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Approx. 6 hrs; Elderly (=65 yrs): Approx. 9 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Approx. 1 hr. Excretion: Urine (up to 75%, primarily as metabolites; <10% as parent drug).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.