Zoldem Dosage/Direction for Use

Zolpidem tartrate must be initiated with the lowest recommended dose and used for the shortest possible time.
Zolpidem tartrate acts rapidly and therefore should be taken immediately before bedtime.
Zolpidem tartrate should be administered without food. The effect of the drug may be slowed by ingestion with or immediately after a meal.
The dose of zolpidem tartrate should be individualized.
Recommended Zolpidem Adult Oral Dose: Adults below 65 years old: Initially, 5 mg (women) and either 5 or 10 mg (men), taken only once per day immediately before bedtime with at least 7 to 8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.
If the 5 mg dose is not effective, the dose can be increased to 10 mg.
In some patients, the higher morning blood levels following use of the 10 mg dose increase the risk of next day impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness.
The recommended initial doses for women and men are different because zolpidem tartrate clearance is lower in women.
Maximum dose: 10 mg once per day immediately before bedtime.
The duration of treatment should usually vary from few days to two weeks with a maximum of four weeks including tapering off where clinically appropriate.
As with all hypnotics, long-term use is not recommended and a course of treatment should not exceed four weeks. Extending treatment should only be done after careful reevaluation of the patient.
Special Population: Elderly or debilitated patients: 5 mg once per day immediately before bedtime these patients may be especially sensitive to the effects of zolpidem tartrate, thus the recommended dose should not be exceeded.
Patients with hepatic insufficiency: As clearance and metabolism of zolpidem tartrate is reduced in hepatic impairment, dosage should begin at 5 mg once per day immediately before bedtime in these patients with particular caution being exercised in elderly patients.
In adults (under 65 years old), dosage may be increased to 10 mg only where the clinical response is inadequate and the drug is well tolerated.
Or, as prescribed by a physician.