IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not
be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
ZALEPLON - ORAL (ZALL-eh-plon)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sonata
USES: This medication is
used for the short-term treatment of sleep problems (insomnia).
HOW TO USE: Take this product
by mouth, immediately before bedtime or after you have gone
to bed and have difficulty sleeping, as directed by your doctor.
Do not take this medication with, or immediately after, a
high-fat or heavy meal. This medication helps you fall asleep.
To minimize side effects while you are awake (e.g., dizziness
or memory trouble), take this medication when you are in bed
and are able to get at least four hours of sleep before you
need to be active again. Do not use this medication for longer
than ten days without your doctor's approval. If your sleep
problems continue, consult with your doctor. Use this medication
exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it
more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than
prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if
used for a longer period of time, do not stop using this medication
without your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, drowsiness,
nausea or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your
doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects:
dizziness, weakness, loss of coordination, muscle joint pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely
but serious side effects: mental/mood changes, persistent
trouble sleeping, memory problems, loss of appetite, tingling
of the hands or feet, rash, itching, tremors, eye/ear problems.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very
unlikely but serious side effects: fast/slow/irregular pulse,
chest pain, trouble breathing, blood in the stool, unusual
thirst, change in amount of urine. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor
your medical history, including: allergies, liver disease,
lung/breathing problems, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression),
alcohol use or drug dependence. Avoid alcohol, as it may aggravate
certain side effects of this drug (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness).
Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g.,
driving). You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights
after you stop using this medication. This problem usually
goes away after one or two nights. If sleep problems persist,
consult with your doctor. Use with caution in the elderly,
as they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication
is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription
and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of:
rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), antidepressants
(e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline), ulcer medication (e.g.,
cimetidine). Also report any drugs causing drowsiness such
as: other medicines for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety
drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric
medications (e.g., thioridazine), anti-seizure medications
(e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), muscle relaxants,
antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Check all medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold
preparations, since many contain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Consult your pharmacist regarding safe use of these products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness;
confusion; sluggishness; loss of coordination; slow, shallow
breathing; and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this
medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from
light and moisture.
