Zolpidem (Systemic)
Brand Names : Ambien
Proper Use of This MedicineTake 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).
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 may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach.
It may 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.
Dosing - The dose of zolpidem 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 zolpidem. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
For the treatment of insomnia (trouble in sleeping):
-
Adults - 10 milligrams (mg) at bedtime.
-
Older adults - 5 mg at bedtime.
-
Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined
by the doctor.
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.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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