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Other strengths and forms by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Eplon is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. In controlled clinical trials, Eplon was shown to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, and this effect was seen for up to 30 days.
Pharmacology
Zaleplon is a newer hypnotic that is not a benzodiazepine. It belongs to the pyrazolopyrimidine class, so its chemical structure has no relation to benzodiazepines, barbiturates or other drugs known to have hypnotic properties. Zaleplon acts on the gamma aminobutyric acid-benzodiazepine (GABA-BZ) receptor complex.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Zaleplon dose should be set for each person. For most adults who are not elderly, the recommended dose is 10 mg. Some low weight people may do well enough on 5 mg. The risk of certain side effects seems to rise with the dose, but 20 mg has been shown to be tolerated adequately, and it may be considered for the occasional patient who gets no benefit from a trial of a lower dose. Doses above 20 mg have not been properly evaluated and are not recommended.
Take Zaleplon immediately before bedtime. If it is taken with or straight after a heavy, high fat meal, it is absorbed more slowly, and its effect on sleep latency would be expected to be smaller.
Elderly and debilitated patients seem to be more sensitive to hypnotics and respond to 5 mg of Zaleplon. So 5 mg is the recommended dose for them, and doses over 10 mg are not recommended. For patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, no dose adjustment is necessary. Patients who are also taking Cimetidine should be given an initial dose of 5 mg, because Zaleplon clearance is reduced in this group.
Pediatric use: the safety and effectiveness of Zaleplon in pediatric patients have not been established.
Side Effects
The side effects of Eplon seem to depend on the dose, so the lowest dose that works should be used, especially in older people. Most side effects are mild and pass quickly. The commonly seen ones are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, headache, asthenia, nightmare and so on.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Timing of drug administration Eplon should be taken right before bedtime, or after the patient has already gone to bed. Use in the elderly and/or debilitated patients In elderly and debilitated patients, the worry is impaired motor and/or cognitive performance after repeated exposure, or unusual sensitivity to sedative/hypnotic drugs. A dose of 5 mg is recommended for elderly patients to lower the chance of side effects. These patients should be monitored closely. Use in patients with concomitant illness Eplon should be used with caution in patients with diseases or conditions that could affect metabolism or haemodynamic responses. Early studies did not show any respiratory depressant effect at hypnotic doses of Eplon in normal subjects. Even so, take care if Eplon is prescribed to patients with compromised respiratory function, because sedative/hypnotic drugs can depress respiratory drive. Patients whose breathing is compromised by an existing illness should be monitored carefully. In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, the dose of Eplon should be reduced to 5 mg. It is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment. Renal impairment patients No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Eplon has not been adequately studied in patients with severe renal impairment. Use in patients with depression As with other sedative or hypnotic drugs, Eplon should be given with caution to patients who show signs or symptoms of depression.
Contraindications
Don't give Zaleplon to anyone who is known to be allergic to it or to any of the other ingredients in it.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Zaleplon has not been studied in pregnant women, so it is not recommended during pregnancy. It has no established use in labour and delivery either.
Lactation: A study in breastfeeding mothers found that the clearance and half-life of Zaleplon were similar to those in young healthy subjects. A small amount of Zaleplon passes into breast milk, and the highest amount appears in the feed about 1 hour after the dose is taken. Even this small amount may reach concentrations in the infant that could matter, and the effects of Zaleplon on a nursing infant are not known. For these reasons, Zaleplon is not recommended for nursing mothers.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store Zaleplon below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Eplon 5 mg
What is Eplon 5 mg Capsule?
Eplon 5 mg Capsule is a medicine that contains Zaleplon. It is made by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Benzodiazepine hypnotics group of medicines.
What is Eplon used for?
Eplon is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. In controlled clinical trials, Eplon was shown to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, and this effect was seen for up to 30 days.
What are the side effects of Eplon?
The side effects of Eplon seem to depend on the dose, so the lowest dose that works should be used, especially in older people. Most side effects are mild and pass quickly.
Can I take Eplon during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: Zaleplon has not been studied in pregnant women, so it is not recommended during pregnancy. It has no established use in labour and delivery either. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Eplon?
Store Zaleplon below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Eplon?
Some medicines can interact with Zaleplon, for example: Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Ethanol 70%, Ibuprofen, Digoxin, Warfarin Sodium, Imipramine Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Eplon is already among the lowest-priced brands of Zaleplon at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Eplon?
Eplon is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.