Drug Groups

approved

Description

Eszopiclone, marketed by Sepracor under the brand-name Lunesta, is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent (viz., a sedative) used as a treatment for insomnia. Eszopiclone is the active stereoisomer of zopiclone, and belongs to the class of drugs known as cyclopyrrones.

Its main selling point is that it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for long-term use, unlike almost all other hypnotic sedatives, which are approved only for the relief of short-term (6-8 weeks) insomnia.

Indication

For the treatment of insomnia

Pharmacology

Eszopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, pyrrolopyrazine derivative of the cyclopyrrolone class and is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia. While Eszopiclone is a hypnotic agent with a chemical structure unrelated to benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other drugs with known hypnotic properties, it interacts with the gamma-aminobutyric acid-benzodiazepine (GABA_BZ) receptor complex. Subunit modulation of the GABA_BZ receptor chloride channel macromolecular complex is hypothesized to be responsible for some of the pharmacological properties of benzodiazepines, which include sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsive effects in animal models. Eszopiclone binds selectively to the brain alpha subunit of the GABA A omega-1 receptor.

Toxicity

Side effects include viral infection, dry mouth, dizziness, hallucinations, infection, rash, and unpleasant taste, with this relationship clearest for unpleasant taste depending on doses.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Following oral administration, eszopiclone is extensively metabolized by oxidation and demethylation.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed following oral administration

Half Life

6 hours

Protein Binding

52-59%

Elimination

Up to 75% of an oral dose of racemic zopiclone is excreted in the urine, primarily as metabolites.

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