Drug Groups

illicit; approved; investigational

Description

Zaleplon is a sedative/hypnotic, mainly used for insomnia. It is known as a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic. Zaleplon interacts with the GABA receptor complex and shares some of the pharmacological properties of the benzodiazepines. Zaleplon is a schedule IV drug in the United States.

Indication

For the treatment of short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.

Pharmacology

Zaleplon is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic from the pyrazolopyrimidine class and is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia. While Zaleplon 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. Zaleplon also binds selectively to the CNS GABA_A-receptor chloride ionophore complex at benzodiazepine(BZ) omega-1 (BZ1, ο1) receptors.

Toxicity

Side effects include abdominal pain, amnesia, dizziness, drowsiness, eye pain, headache, memory loss, menstrual pain, nausea, sleepiness, tingling, weakness

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Zaleplon is primarily metabolized by aldehyde oxidase.

Absorption

Absorption Zaleplon is rapidly and almost completely absorbed following oral administration.

Half Life

Approximately 1 hour

Protein Binding

Approximately 60% (in vitro plasma protein binding).

Elimination

Zaleplon is metabolized primarily by the liver and undergoes significant presystemic metabolism. After oral administration, zaleplon is extensively metabolized, with less than 1% of the dose excreted unchanged in urine. Renal excretion of unchanged zaleplon accounts for less than 1% of the administered dose.

Distribution

* 1.4 L/kg

Clearance

* 1 L/h/kg

References

External Links