5. Develop a teaching plan for a patient using zolpidem (Ambien) for sleep. Include nonpharmacologic
measures in the plan.
Zolpidem
•
Indications: Zolpidem tartrate tablets, USP are indicated for the short-term treatment of
insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation. Zolpidem tartrate tablets, USP have been
shown to decrease sleep latency for up to 35 days in controlled clinical studies [see Clinical Studies (14)].
•
Dosage Forms and Strengths: Zolpidem tartrate is available in 5 mg and 10 mg strength tablets
for oral administration. Tablets are not scored. Zolpidem tartrate tablets 5 mg are white to off-white,
circular, biconvex, film-coated tablets, debossed with “E” on one side and “78” on the other side.
Zolpidem tartrate tablets 10 mg are white to off-white, oval shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets,
debossed with “E” on one side and “79” on the other side.
•
Contraindications: Zolpidem tartrate tablets are contraindicated in patients with known
hypersensitivity to Zolpidem. Observed reactions include anaphylaxis and angioedema
•
Drug Interactions: Co-administration of Zolpidem with other CNS depressants increases the risk
of CNS depression. Zolpidem tartrate was evaluated in healthy volunteers in single-dose interaction
studies for several CNS drugs.
Group Assignments
1. Construct a table listing the therapeutic actions, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, most common adverse reactions, and important drug–drug interactions associated with each class of anxiolytic or hypnotic agent: benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Are the benzodiazepines or the barbiturates more desirable?


