Zolpidem CR

AMBIEN CR

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Pronunciation: ZOL-pi-dem (AM-bee-un)

Zolpidem CR ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Zolpidem CR ballicule

Zolpidem CR AMBIEN mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Zolpidem CR mascot
**“Amnesia bean Soul pie”**

What it isControlled-release GABA-A positive modulator; insomnia involving sleep onset and maintenance.

Why this oneIts biphasic tablet (outer layer for onset, core for maintenance) is labeled for sleep-maintenance insomnia, unlike IR.

What limits itBoxed complex sleep behaviors can occur after any exposure; next-day impairment, falls, and dependence also matter.

Zolpidem CR molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Zolpidem CR

FDA-approved for

insomnia (onset + maintenance) (2005)

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

BOXED WARNING Complex sleep behaviors (sleep-walking, sleep-driving, other activities while not fully awake) that may cause serious injury or death; discontinue if they occur.

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Short-term treatment of insomnia (sleep onset and/or maintenance)	Adults	6.25 mg QHS (women); 6.25 or 12.5 mg QHS (men)		12.5 mg QD
Short-term treatment of insomnia	Geriatric/debilitated or mild–moderate hepatic impairment	6.25 mg QHS		6.25 mg QD

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Mild–moderate: 6.25 mg QHS. Avoid in severe hepatic impairment (may precipitate encephalopathy).

Single dose per night; do not readminister during the same night

Instructions

Swallow whole; do not crush, divide, or chew
Take immediately before bedtime with ≥7–8 h remaining before awakening
Effect may be slowed if taken with or immediately after a meal

Available strengths

ER tab 6.25, 12.5 mg
cap 7.5 mg
tab 5, 10 mg
SL tab 1.75, 3.5, 5, 10 mg

Contraindications

Patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking zolpidem

Cautions

Complex sleep behaviors
CNS depression and next-day impairment (esp. 12.5 mg)
Severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema
Abnormal thinking/behavior changes
Withdrawal effects

Adverse reactions

Headache
Next-day somnolence
Dizziness

Pregnancy Late third-trimester use may cause neonatal respiratory depression and sedation.

Lactation May pump and discard breast milk during treatment and for 23 h after a dose.

Cost

Zolpidem CR (AMBIEN CR)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26

Strength		#/mo	generic $/mo	CostPlus
6.25 mg	ER tab	30 qd	$3.05	not offered
12.5 mg	ER tab	30 qd	$3.28	not offered

Other forms: Zolpidem (AMBIEN) · Zolpidem SL (EDLUAR)

⚠ BOXED WARNING

Complex sleep behaviors including sleepwalking and sleep-driving

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger2 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability3 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk2 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityComplex sleep behaviors, next-day impairment, falls and additive CNS depression.

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Memory aids: interaction avatars

CYP3A4 substrate

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