Zolpidem hemitamwe is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic with specific agonist activity at
type 1 benzodiazepine receptors, and is indicated for use in insomnia and other sleep
disorders. Structurally zolpidem belongs to a chemically distinct class, thus lacking the
side-effects and abuse potential of classical benzodiazepines. It is currently being studied
as a pre-operative sedative.
Zolpidem (Item No. 15792) is an analytical reference material that is functionally categorized as a sedative. It is a non-benzodiazepine drug that is used in the treatment of insomnia, and it has been recreationally abused. This product is intended for research and forensic applications.
Zolpidem (Item No. 20648) is a certified reference material that is functionally categorized as a sedative. It is a non-benzodiazepine drug that is used in the treatment of insomnia, and it has been recreationally abused. This product is intended for research and forensic applications.
A selective non-benzodiazepine GABAA receptor agonist. Sedative, hypnotic.
Controlled substance (depresssant).
A selective benzodiazepine receptor agonist not related chemically to benzodiazepines
ChEBI: An imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine compound having a 4-tolyl group at the 2-position, an N,N-dimethylcarbamoylmethyl group at the 3-position and a methyl substituent at the 6-position.
Ambien (Sanofi Aventis);Stilnox.
Zolpidem (Ambien, an imidazopyridine) andeszopiclone (Lunesta, a cyclopyrrolone) are nonbenzodiazepinesand have been introduced as short- and moderate-acting hypnotics, respectively. Zolpidem exhibits ahigh selectivity for the α1 subunit of benzodiazepinebindingsite on GABAA receptor complex, whereas eszopicloneis a “superagonist” at BzRs with the subunitcomposition α1β2γ2 and α1β2γ3. Zolpidem has a rapidonset of action of 1.6 hours and good bioavailability(72%), mainly because it is lipophilic and has no ionizablegroups at physiological pH. Food can prolong the time topeak concentration without affecting the half-life probablyfor the same reason. It has short elimination half-life, becauseits aryl methyl groups is extensively α-hydroxylatedto inactive metabolites by CYP3A4 followed by furtheroxidation by aldehyde dehydrogenase to the ionic carboxylicacid. The metabolites are inactive, short-lived, andeliminated in the urine. Its half-life in the elderly or the patientswith liver disease is increased. Therefore, dosingshould be modified in patients with hepatic insufficiencyand the elderly. Because it has longer elimination half-lifethan zaleplon, it may be preferred for sleep maintenance.It was the most commonly prescribed drug for insomniain 2001.
[1] S ARBILLA. Pharmacological profile of the imidazopyridine zolpidem at benzodiazepine receptors and electrocorticogram in rats.[J]. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s archives of pharmacology, 1985, 330 3: 248-251. DOI:
10.1007/bf00572441[2] MARJORIE CHèZE. Hair analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in toxicological investigation of drug-facilitated crimes: Report of 128 cases over the period June 2003–May 2004 in metropolitan Paris[J]. Forensic science international, 2005, 153 1: Pages 3-10. DOI:
10.1016/j.forsciint.2005.04.021
