Sonata

What is it?

Hypnotic preparation available as capsules in 2 strengths, both containing zaleplon. Light brown/ white capsules with gold banding contain 5mg and white with pink banding contain 10mg. All are marked with strength and W.

Medical Uses

Severe and disabling insomnia which is causing distress.

Dosage

Adults, 10mg at bedtime, or during night if at least 4 hours is available for sleeping. Treatment period must not exceed 2 weeks. Elderly patients, 5mg.

Special Care

Elderly, previous drug or alcohol abuse, impaired respiration, mild to moderate liver disorders, depression.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, severely insufficient respiration, serious liver disorders, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnoea, suicide risk, psychoses.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Narcotic analgesics, ketoconazole, other inducers of CYP3A4, alcohol, anxiolytics, sedatives, anticonvulsants, erythromycin, phenobarbitone, cimetidine, anti- psychotics, anaesthetics, rifampicin, antidepressants, antihistamines, carbamazepine, hypnotics.

Known Side Effects

Disturbance to CNS, dizziness, headache, amnesia, weakness, sleepiness, rebound insomnia, impaired reactions, anxiety, tolerance and dependence. withdraw if paradoxical psychiatric disturbance occurs. Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).

Manufacturer

Wyeth.