Zaleplon has been shown to have minimal effects on the kinetic of Warfarin, Imipramine, Ethanol, Ibuprofen, Diphenhydramine, Thioridazine, and Digoxin.
Side effects of Zaleplon appear to be dose related. So, it is important to use the lowest possible effective dose, specially in the elderly. The side effects are usually mild and transient, the most common are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, headache, asthenia, nightmare etc.
Pregnancy: There are no studies of Zaleplon in pregnant women; therefore, it is not recommended for use in women during pregnancy. Zaleplon has no established use in labour and delivery.
Lactation: A study in lactating mothers indicated that the clearance and half-life of Zaleplon is similar to that in young normal subjects. A small amount of Zaleplon is excreted in breast milk, with the highest excreted amount occurring during a feeding at approximately 1 hour after Zaleplon administration. Since the small amount of the drug from breast milk may result in potentially important concentrations in infants, and because the effects of Zaleplon on a nursing infant are not known, it is not recommended in nursing mothers.
Timing of drug administration: Zaleplon should be taken immediately before bedtime or after the patient has gone to bed.
Use in the elderly and/or debilitated patients: Impaired motor and/or cognitive performance after repeated exposure or unusual sensitivity to sedative/hypnotic drugs is a concern in the treatment of elderly and/or debilitated patients. A dose of 5 mg is recommended for elderly patients to decrease the possibility of side effects. Elderly and/or debilitated patients should be monitored closely.
Use in patients with concomitant illness: Zaleplon should be used with caution in patients with diseases or conditions that could affect metabolism or haemodynamic responses. Although preliminary studies did not reveal respiratory depressant effects at hypnotic doses of Zaleplon in normal subjects, caution should be observed if Zaleplon is prescribed to patients with compromised respiratory function, because sedative/hypnotic have the capacity to depress respiratory drive. However, patients with compromised respiration due to preexisting illness should be monitored carefully. The dose of Zaleplon should be reduced to 5 mg in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. It is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Renal impairment patients: No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Zaleplon has not been adequately studied in patients with severe renal impairment.
Use in patients with depression: As with other sedative or hypnotic drugs, Zaleplon should be administered with caution to patients exhibiting signs or symptoms of depression
