Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take zolpidem just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. This medicine works very quickly to put you to sleep.

Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.

Zolpidem should not be taken with food or right after a meal. It will work faster if you take it on an empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.

Do not take this medicine if you have drank alcohol the same evening or just before bedtime.

If you are using the oral spray for the first time, it must be primed by spraying it for 5 times in a safe direction away from your face and other people. If the oral spray has not been used for 14 days, it must be primed again with 1 spray.

To use the oral spray:

  • Pull the child-resistant cap to separate it from the base.
  • Remove the clear protective cap from the pump.
  • Hold the container upright with the black spray opening pointed directly into your mouth.
  • Fully press down on the pump to make sure that a full dose (5 milligrams [mg]) is sprayed directly into the mouth over the tongue. If a 10 mg dose is prescribed by your doctor, a second spray should be given.
  • Put the clear protective cap back over the pump after each use.

To use the sublingual tablets:

  • Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Do not use the tablet if the seal of the blister pack is broken.
  • Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the top layer of paper, then push the tablet through the foil.
  • Place the tablet under your tongue. It should melt quickly. Do not crush, chew, or swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink anything after using this medicine.
  • If you are taking Intermezzo®, check the time before you take this medicine. Intermezzo® should be taken only if at least 4 hours of sleep remain before the planned time of awakening.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For the treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping):
    • For oral dosage form (oral spray):
      • Adults—10 milligrams (mg) or 2 sprays into the mouth at bedtime.
      • Older adults—5 mg or 1 spray into the mouth at bedtime.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (sublingual tablets):
      • Adults—
        • Edluar®: 5 milligrams (mg) (for women) and 5 or 10 mg (for men) placed under the tongue once a day, at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, do not take more than 10 mg per day.
        • Intermezzo®: 1.75 mg (for women) and 3.5 mg (for men) placed under the tongue at bedtime.
      • Older adults—
        • Edluar®: 5 mg (for both men and women) placed under the tongue at bedtime.
        • Intermezzo®: 1.75 mg (for both men and women) placed under the tongue at bedtime.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to keep a regular schedule for taking it.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away the oral spray container after 60 sprays have been used.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.