Fame and Mortality: Evidence from a Retrospective Analysis of Singers
November 26, 2025
Brand Name :
Sonata
Synonyms :
zaleplon
Class :
Sedative/Hypnotics
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
CapsuleÂ
5 mgÂ
10 mgÂ
5 - 10
mg
Capsule
Orally 
once a day
before bedtime, increase to 20 mg/day based on clinical symptoms
Dose Adjustments
Discontinue the drug for severe renal or hepatic failure
Not suggestedÂ
Initiate with the lower dose
Dose Adjustments
Renal and hepatic impairment: Discontinue the drug for severe failure
Concomitant administration with benzodiazepine agonists may enhance the risk of extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and coma
Concomitant administration with benzodiazepine agonists may enhance the risk of extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and coma
Concomitant administration with benzodiazepine agonists may enhance the risk of extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and coma
Concomitant administration with benzodiazepine agonists may enhance the risk of extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and coma
Concomitant administration with benzodiazepine agonists may enhance the risk of extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and coma
It may enhance sedation when combined with oxycodone
it decreases the rate of elimination of pidotimod
CYP3A strong enhancers of the small intestine may reduce the bioavailability of zaleplon 
the excretion rate of gadopentetic acid may be decreased by zaleplon, potentially leading to a higher serum level
zaleplon may lower the excretion rate of ioxilan, which could result in a raised serum level
zaleplon may lower the excretion rate of phylloquinone, potentially leading to higher serum levels
muzolimine may increase the excretion rate of zaleplon, potentially resulting in a lower serum level and a potential reduction in efficacy
mycophenolic acid has the potential to decrease the excretion rate of zaleplon, potentially resulting in higher serum levels
zaleplon may lower the excretion rate of n-acetyl tyrosine, potentially resulting in elevated serum levels
zaleplon may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a higher serum level
when used with fosnetupitant, zaleplon's metabolism can be lowered
the risk or extent of CNS depression can be heightened when butalbital is used in conjunction with zaleplon
procarbazine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Platelets inhibitors
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Platelets inhibitors
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Platelets inhibitors
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Platelets inhibitors
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Platelets inhibitors
glucagon: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
hyaluronidase: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
the rate of excretion of aurothioglucose may be reduced with zaleplon
the rate of excretion of inositol may be reduced
imidazole salicylate may slow down the pace at which allopurinol is excreted, which could lead to a rise in the blood level of the drug
the excretory rate of bufylline may be increased by zaleplon
metronidazole enhances the effect of zaleplon by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
Action and Spectrum:Â
Zaleplon binds with GABA receptors in the brain. It increases GABA effect to regulate CNS inhibition.Â
It opens chloride channels to reduce excitability and promotes sleep induction.Â
Adverse reaction:Â
>10%:Â
Headache Â
1-10%:Â
DizzinessÂ
NauseaÂ
Abdominal painÂ
DysmenorrheaÂ
Eye pain Â
Weakness Â
TremorÂ
<1%:Â
FeverÂ
PhotosensitivityÂ
AmnesiaÂ
VertigoÂ
EpistaxisÂ
DepersonalizationÂ
AnorexiaÂ
ColitisÂ
HallucinationÂ
HypesthesiaÂ
Ear painÂ
HyperacusisÂ
ParosmiaÂ
Black box warning:Â
Therapy may lead to complex sleep behaviours such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving to cause serious injuries.Â
In such cases discontinue therapy immediately if patient experiences a complex sleep behaviour.Â
Contraindications/caution:Â
Contraindications:Â
Cautions:Â
Pregnancy Warnings:Â
Pregnancy category: CÂ
Lactation: Small amount secreted in breast milkÂ
Pregnancy categories:Â
Pharmacology: Zaleplon selectively binds to omega-1 receptor on GABA-A/chloride ion channel. It modulates GABA-BZD receptor chloride channel to induce action.Â
Pharmacodynamics: Zaleplon quickly induces sleep within 30 minutes of ingestion. It causes CNS depression that occurs into sedation, drowsiness, and coordination issues.Â
Pharmacokinetic:Â
Absorption:Â
It reaches peak plasma time in 1 hours.Â
Distribution:Â
It shows protein bound of 45% to 75%.Â
Metabolism:Â
It metabolized by aldehyde oxidase.Â
Excretion and elimination:Â
It is excreted through urine route.Â
Administration:Â
It is available in capsule form for oral use.Â
Patient information leaflet:Â
Generic Name: zaleplon
Why do we use zaleplon?Â
Zaleplon is used to manage sleep disorders i.e., insomnia.Â
It is indicated as short-term course for acute stress or temporary sleep pattern changes.Â