Zaleplon Disease Interactions

There are 6 disease interactions with zaleplon:

Anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should generally not be given to patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibiting depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of these agents may be additive with those of alcohol. Severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with such agents should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.

Anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop, particularly after prolonged use of excessive dosages, and abrupt cessation and/or a reduction in dosage may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death. Therapy with anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously and for as brief a period as possible. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with these agents. In addition, it may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to such patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of medication should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

Zaleplon is primarily metabolized by the liver. The oral clearance of zaleplon has been shown to decrease by 70% and 87% in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, respectively, compared to healthy patients. Associated plasma drug concentrations were markedly increased by several-fold. Therapy with zaleplon is not recommended in patients with severely impaired hepatic function. The dosage should be reduced to 5 mg in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.

Anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents depress the central nervous system and may cause or exacerbate mental depression. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or suicidal tendencies. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Oral anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given in high dosages or following acute overdose. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are recommended.

Zaleplon is excreted in the urine almost exclusively as metabolites and their glucuronides. The pharmacokinetics of zaleplon are not altered in patients with renal insufficiency. According to the manufacturer, dosage adjustments are not necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. However, caution may be appropriate if the drug is used in patients with severe renal impairment, since data establishing its safety and efficacy are lacking in such patients.

You should also know about...

zaleplon drug Interactions

There are 571 drug interactions with zaleplon

zaleplon food/lifestyle Interactions

There are 2 food/lifestyle interactions with zaleplon

See also...

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Multum is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Multum Information Services, Inc. does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. Copyright 2000-2009 Multum Information Services, Inc. The information in contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.