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Ambien

zolpidem tartrate · Tablet, Coated

Prescription NDA Schedule CIV TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Ambien CR
Generic name
zolpidem tartrate
Dosage form
Tablet, Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
CIV
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Zolpidem Tartrate 12.5 mg/1 854894 View
Zolpidem Tartrate 6.25 mg/1 854894 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Central Nervous System Depression [PE] PE All 14 members
GABA A Receptor Positive Modulators [MoA] MoA All 13 members
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptor Positive Modulator [EPC] EPC All 11 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
021774
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
September 2, 2005
Sponsor
COSETTE
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
19
Products approved under application 021774.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
021774-001 AMBIEN CR TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE Prescription AB RLD RS
021774-002 AMBIEN CR TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE Prescription AB RLD

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 021774.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 28 Labeling Approved February 23, 2022 Standard
Supplement 25 Labeling Approved February 23, 2022 Standard
Supplement 21 Labeling Approved February 23, 2022 Standard
Supplement 27 Labeling Approved August 18, 2019 Standard
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved February 6, 2019 901 Required
Supplement 23 Labeling Approved September 14, 2018 Standard
Supplement 19 Labeling Approved March 3, 2017 Standard
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved December 2, 2016 Standard
Supplement 17 Labeling Approved August 11, 2016 Standard
Supplement 16 Labeling Approved October 7, 2014 Standard
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved April 19, 2013 Standard
Supplement 13 Labeling Approved April 19, 2013 Standard
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved April 14, 2010 Unknown
Supplement 8 Efficacy Approved December 20, 2007 Standard
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved December 20, 2007 Standard
Supplement 5 Efficacy Approved December 20, 2007 Standard
Supplement 4 Efficacy Approved December 20, 2007 Standard
Supplement 3 Efficacy Approved December 20, 2007 Unknown
Original application 1 Type 3 - New Dosage Form Approved September 2, 2005 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · February 25, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 25, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 25, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 25, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 24, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 24, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 24, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · August 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · August 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · February 14, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · February 7, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · September 18, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · September 18, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · June 29, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · March 8, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · March 6, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · December 6, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · December 5, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · August 12, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · August 11, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · October 9, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · October 9, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · September 30, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · September 30, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · April 24, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · April 24, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · April 23, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · April 23, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · April 19, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · April 19, 2010

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250207). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250207

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: COMPLEX SLEEP BEHAVIORS Complex sleep behaviors including sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake may occur following use of AMBIEN CR. Some of these events may result in serious injuries, including death. Discontinue AMBIEN CR immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: COMPLEX SLEEP BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Complex sleep behaviors including sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake may occur following use of AMBIEN CR. Some of these events may result in serious injuries, including death. Discontinue AMBIEN CR immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior. ( 4 , 5.1 )

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 2/2022 Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ) 2/2022 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) 2/2022 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) 2/2022

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE AMBIEN CR (zolpidem tartrate extended-release tablets) is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance (as measured by wake time after sleep onset). The clinical trials performed in support of efficacy were up to 3 weeks (using polysomnography measurement up to 2 weeks in both adult and elderly patients) and 24 weeks (using patient reported assessment in adult patients only) in duration [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. AMBIEN CR, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor positive modulator, is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest dose effective for the patient and must not exceed a total of 12.5 mg daily ( 2.1 ) Treatment should be as short as possible ( 2.1 ) Recommended initial dose is a single dose of 6.25 mg for women and a single dose of 6.25 or 12.5 mg for men, immediately before bedtime with at least 7–8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening ( 2.1 ) Geriatric patients and patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment: Recommended dose is 6.25 mg for men and women ( 2.2 ) Lower doses of CNS depressants may be necessary when taken concomitantly with AMBIEN CR ( 2.3 ) Tablets to be swallowed whole, not to be crushed, divided or chewed ( 2.4 ) The effect of AMBIEN CR may be slowed if taken with or immediately after a meal ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Dosage in Adults Use the lowest effective dose for the patient. The recommended initial dose is 6.25 mg for women and either 6.25 or 12.5 mg for men, taken only once per night immediately before bedtime with at least 7–8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening. If the 6.25 mg dose is not effective, the dose can be increased to 12.5 mg. In some patients, the higher morning blood levels following use of the 12.5 mg dose increase the risk of next-day impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . The total dose of AMBIEN CR should not exceed 12.5 mg once daily immediately before bedtime. AMBIEN CR should be taken as a single dose and should not be readministered during the same night. The recommended initial doses for women and men are different because zolpidem clearance is lower in women. Treatment with AMBIEN CR should be as short as possible. Extended treatment should not take place without re-evaluation of the patient’s status, since the risk of abuse and dependence increases with duration of treatment [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)] . 2.2 Special Populations Elderly or debilitated patients may be especially sensitive to the effects of zolpidem tartrate. The recommended dose of AMBIEN CR in these patients is 6.25 mg once daily immediately before bedtime [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ]. Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment do not clear the drug as rapidly as normal subjects. The recommended dose of AMBIEN CR in these patients is 6.25 mg once daily immediately before bedtime. Avoid AMBIEN CR use in patients with severe hepatic impairment as it may contribute to encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) , Use in Specific Populations (8.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.3 Use with CNS Depressants Dosage adjustment may be necessary when AMBIEN CR is combined with other CNS-depressant drugs because of the potentially additive effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.7) ] . 2.4 Administration AMBIEN CR extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole, and not be divided, crushed, or chewed. The effect of AMBIEN CR may be slowed by ingestion with or immediately after a meal.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS AMBIEN CR is available as extended-release tablets containing 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg of zolpidem tartrate for oral administration. Tablets are not scored. AMBIEN CR 6.25 mg tablets are pink, round, bi-convex, and debossed with A~ on one side. AMBIEN CR 12.5 mg tablets are blue, round, bi-convex, and debossed with A~ on one side. Extended-Release Tablets: 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg. Tablets not scored. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS AMBIEN CR is contraindicated in patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking AMBIEN CR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. with known hypersensitivity to zolpidem. Observed reactions include anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking AMBIEN CR ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to zolpidem ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CNS-Depressant Effects: Impaired alertness and motor coordination, including risk of morning impairment. Risk increases with dose and use with other CNS depressants and alcohol. Caution patients against driving and other activities requiring complete mental alertness the morning after use. Instruct patients on correct use. ( 5.2 ) Need to Evaluate for Comorbid Diagnoses: Reevaluate if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of use. ( 5.3 ) Severe Anaphylactic/Anaphylactoid Reactions: Angioedema and anaphylaxis have been reported. Do not rechallenge if such reactions occur. ( 5.4 ) Abnormal Thinking and Behavioral Changes: Changes including decreased inhibition, bizarre behavior, agitation, and depersonalization have been reported. Immediately evaluate any new onset behavioral changes. ( 5.5 ) Depression: Worsening of depression or suicidal thinking may occur. Prescribe the least amount of tablets feasible to avoid intentional overdose. ( 5.6 ) Respiratory Depression: Consider this risk before prescribing in patients with compromised respiratory function. ( 5.7 ) Hepatic Impairment: Avoid AMBIEN CR use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. ( 5.8 ) Withdrawal Effects: Symptoms may occur with rapid dose reduction or discontinuation. ( 5.9 , 9.3 ) 5.1 Complex Sleep Behaviors Complex sleep behaviors, including sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake, may occur following the first or any subsequent use of AMBIEN CR. Patients can be seriously injured or injure others during complex sleep behaviors. Such injuries may result in a fatal outcome. Other complex sleep behaviors (e.g., preparing and eating food, making phone calls, or having sex) have also been reported. Patients usually do not remember these events. Postmarketing reports have shown that complex sleep behaviors may occur with AMBIEN CR alone at recommended doses, with or without the concomitant use of alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Discontinue AMBIEN CR immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior [see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.2 CNS-Depressant Effects and Next-Day Impairment AMBIEN CR is a CNS depressant and can impair daytime function in some patients even when used as prescribed. Prescribers should monitor for excess depressant effects, but impairment can occur in the absence of subjective symptoms, and may not be reliably detected by ordinary clinical exam (i.e. less than formal psychomotor testing). While pharmacodynamic tolerance or adaptation to some adverse depressant effects of AMBIEN CR may develop, patients using AMBIEN CR should be cautioned against driving or engaging in other hazardous activities or activities requiring complete mental alertness the day after use. Additive effects occur with concomitant use of other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol), including daytime use [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Downward dose adjustment of AMBIEN CR and concomitant CNS depressants should be considered [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . The use of AMBIEN CR with other sedative-hypnotics (including other zolpidem products) at bedtime or the middle of the night is not recommended. The risk of next-day psychomotor impairment is increased if AMBIEN CR is taken with less than a full night of sleep remaining (7 to 8 hours); if higher than the recommended dose is taken; if coadministered with other CNS depressants or alcohol; or coadministered with other drugs that increase the blood levels of zolpidem. Patients should be warned against driving and other activities requiring complete mental alertness if AMBIEN CR is taken in these circumstances [see Dosage and Administration (2) , Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Vehicle drivers and machine operators should be warned that, as with other hypnotics, there may be a possible risk of adverse reactions including drowsiness, prolo …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Complex Sleep Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] CNS-Depressant Effects and Next-Day Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Severe Anaphylactic and Anaphylactoid Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Abnormal Thinking and Behavior Changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Withdrawal Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most commonly observed adverse reactions (>10% in either elderly or adult patients) are: headache, next-day somnolence and dizziness ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-922-1038 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment In 3-week clinical trials in adults and elderly patients (>65 years), 3.5% (7/201) patients receiving AMBIEN CR 6.25 or 12.5 mg discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction as compared to 0.9% (2/216) of patients on placebo. The reaction most commonly associated with discontinuation in patients treated with AMBIEN CR was somnolence (1%). In a 6-month study in adult patients (18–64 years of age), 8.5% (57/669) of patients receiving AMBIEN CR 12.5 mg as compared to 4.6% on placebo (16/349) discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction. Reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation of AMBIEN CR included anxiety (anxiety, restlessness or agitation) reported in 1.5% (10/669) of patients as compared to 0.3% (1/349) of patients on placebo, and depression (depression, major depression or depressed mood) reported in 1.5% (10/669) of patients as compared to 0.3% (1/349) of patients on placebo. Data from a clinical study in which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-treated patients were given zolpidem revealed that four of the seven discontinuations during double-blind treatment with zolpidem (n=95) were associated with impaired concentration, continuing or aggravated depression, and manic reaction; one patient treated with placebo (n=97) was discontinued after an attempted suicide. Most Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions in Controlled Trials During treatment with AMBIEN CR in adults and elderly at daily doses of 12.5 mg and 6.25 mg, respectively, each for three weeks, the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of AMBIEN CR were headache, next-day somnolence, and dizziness. In the 6-month trial evaluating AMBIEN CR 12.5 mg, the adverse reaction profile was consistent with that reported in short-term trials, except for a higher incidence of anxiety (6.3% for AMBIEN CR versus 2.6% for placebo). Adverse Reactions Observed at an Incidence of ≥1% in Controlled Trials The following tables enumerate treatment-emergent adverse reactions frequencies that were observed at an incidence equal to 1% or greater among patients with insomnia who received AMBIEN CR in placebo-controlled trials. Events reported by investigators were classified utilizing the MedDRA dictionary for the purpose of establishing event frequencies. The prescriber should be aware that these figures cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice, in which patient characteristics and other factors differ from those that prevailed in these clinical trials. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigators involving related drug products and uses, since each group of drug trials is conducted under a different set of conditions. However, the cited figures provide the physician with a basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the incidence of side effects in the population studied. The following tables were derived from results of two placebo-controlled efficacy trials involving AMBIEN CR. These trials involved patients with primary insomnia who were …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CNS depressants, including alcohol: Possible adverse additive CNS-depressant effects ( 5.2 , 7.1 ) Opioids: Concomitant use may increase risk of respiratory depression ( 5.7 , 7.1 ) Imipramine: Decreased alertness observed ( 7.1 ) Chlorpromazine: Impaired alertness and psychomotor performance observed ( 7.1 ) CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin or St. John's wort): Combination use may decrease effect ( 7.2 ) Ketoconazole: Combination use may increase effect ( 7.2 ) 7.1 CNS-Active Drugs CNS Depressants Coadministration of zolpidem with other CNS depressants increases the risk of CNS depression. Concomitant use of zolpidem with these drugs may increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment, including impaired driving ability [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ]. Zolpidem tartrate was evaluated in healthy volunteers in single-dose interaction studies for several CNS drugs. Alcohol An additive adverse effect on psychomotor performance between alcohol and oral zolpidem was demonstrated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ] . Opioids The concomitant use of AMBIEN CR with opioids may increase the risk of respiratory depression. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of AMBIEN and opioids [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Imipramine, Chlorpromazine Imipramine in combination with zolpidem produced no pharmacokinetic interaction other than a 20% decrease in peak levels of imipramine, but there was an additive effect of decreased alertness. Similarly, chlorpromazine in combination with zolpidem produced no pharmacokinetic interaction, but there was an additive effect of decreased alertness and psychomotor performance [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Sertraline Concomitant administration of zolpidem and sertraline increases exposure to zolpidem [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Fluoxetine After multiple doses of zolpidem tartrate and fluoxetine an increase in the zolpidem half-life (17%) was observed. There was no evidence of an additive effect in psychomotor performance [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Haloperidol A study involving haloperidol and zolpidem revealed no effect of haloperidol on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of zolpidem. The lack of a drug interaction following single-dose administration does not predict the absence of an effect following chronic administration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Drugs that Affect Drug Metabolism via Cytochrome P450 Some compounds known to induce or inhibit CYP3A may affect exposure to zolpidem. The effect of drugs that induce or inhibit other P450 enzymes on the exposure to zolpidem is not known. CYP3A4 Inducers Rifampin Rifampin, a CYP3A4 inducer, significantly reduced the exposure to and the pharmacodynamic effects of zolpidem. Use of Rifampin in combination with zolpidem may decrease the efficacy of zolpidem and is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . St. John's wort Use of St. John's wort, a CYP3A4 inducer, in combination with zolpidem may decrease blood levels of zolpidem and is not recommended. CYP3A4 Inhibitors Ketoconazole Ketoconazole, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased the exposure to and pharmacodynamic effects of zolpidem. Consideration should be given to using a lower dose of zolpidem when a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and zolpidem are given together [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May cause respiratory depression and sedation in neonates with exposure late in the third trimester. ( 8.1 ) Lactation: A lactating woman may pump and discard breast milk during treatment and for 23 hours after AMBIEN CR administration. ( 8.2 ) Pediatric use: Safety and effectiveness not established. Hallucinations (incidence rate 7%) and other psychiatric and/or nervous system adverse reactions were observed frequently in a study of pediatric patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. ( 5.5 , 8.4 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Neonates born to mothers using zolpidem late in the third trimester of pregnancy have been reported to experience symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation [see Clinical Considerations and Data ] . Published data on the use of zolpidem during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with zolpidem and major birth defects [see Data ] . Oral administration of zolpidem to pregnant rats and rabbits did not indicate a risk for adverse effects on fetal development at clinically relevant doses [see Data ] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%–4% and 15%–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions Zolpidem crosses the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and sedation in neonates. Monitor neonates exposed to AMBIEN CR during pregnancy and labor for signs of excess sedation, hypotonia, and respiratory depression and manage accordingly. Data Human data Published data from observational studies, birth registries, and case reports on the use of zolpidem during pregnancy do not report a clear association with zolpidem and major birth defects. There are limited postmarketing reports of severe to moderate cases of respiratory depression that occurred after birth in neonates whose mothers had taken zolpidem during pregnancy. These cases required artificial ventilation or intratracheal intubation. The majority of neonates recovered within hours to a few weeks after birth once treated. Zolpidem has been shown to cross the placenta. Animal data Oral administration of zolpidem to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at 4, 20, and 100 mg base/kg/day, which are approximately 4, 20, and 100 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 12.5 mg/day (10 mg zolpidem base) based on mg/m 2 body surface area, caused delayed fetal development (incomplete fetal skeletal ossification) at maternally toxic (ataxia) doses 20 and 100 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Oral administration of zolpidem to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at 1, 4, and 16 mg base/kg/day, which are approximately 2, 8, and 30 times the MRHD of 12.5 mg/day (10 mg zolpidem base) based on mg/m 2 body surface area caused embryo-fetal death and delayed fetal development (incomplete fetal skeletal ossification) at a maternally toxic (decreased body weight gain) dose 30 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Oral administration of zolpidem to pregnant rats from day 15 of gestation through lactation at 4, 20, and 100 mg base/kg/day, which are approximately 4, 20, and 100 times the MRHD of 12.5 mg/day (10 mg zolpidem base) based on a mg/m 2 body surface area, delayed offspring growth and decreased survival at doses 20 and 100 times, respectively, the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited data from published literature report the presence of zolpidem in human milk. There are reports of excess sedation in infants exposed to zolpidem through breastmilk [see Clinical Considerations ]. There is no information on the effects of zolpidem on milk production. The developmenta …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Zolpidem is a GABA A receptor positive modulator presumed to exert its therapeutic effects in the short-term treatment of insomnia through binding to the benzodiazepine site of α1 subunit containing GABA A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening resulting in the inhibition of neuronal excitation.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION AMBIEN CR contains zolpidem tartrate, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor positive modulator of the imidazopyridine class. AMBIEN CR (zolpidem tartrate) extended-release tablets is available in 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg strength tablets for oral administration. Chemically, zolpidem is N,N,6-trimethyl-2-p-tolylimidazo[1,2-a] pyridine-3-acetamide L-(+)-tartrate (2:1). It has the following structure: Zolpidem tartrate is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water, alcohol, and propylene glycol. It has a molecular weight of 764.88. AMBIEN CR consists of a coated two-layer tablet: one layer that releases its drug content immediately and another layer that allows a slower release of additional drug content. The 6.25 mg AMBIEN CR tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, potassium bitartrate, red ferric oxide, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide. The 12.5 mg AMBIEN CR tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue #2, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, potassium bitartrate, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide. Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Signs and Symptoms In postmarketing experience of overdose with zolpidem tartrate alone, or in combination with CNS-depressant agents, impairment of consciousness ranging from somnolence to coma, cardiovascular and/or respiratory compromise, and fatal outcomes have been reported. 10.2 Recommended Treatment General symptomatic and supportive measures should be used along with immediate gastric lavage where appropriate. Intravenous fluids should be administered as needed. Zolpidem's sedative hypnotic effect was shown to be reduced by flumazenil and therefore may be useful; however, flumazenil administration may contribute to the appearance of neurological symptoms (convulsions). As in all cases of drug overdose, respiration, pulse, blood pressure, and other appropriate signs should be monitored and general supportive measures employed. Hypotension and CNS depression should be monitored and treated by appropriate medical intervention. Sedating drugs should be withheld following zolpidem overdosage, even if excitation occurs. The value of dialysis in the treatment of overdosage has not been determined, although hemodialysis studies in patients with renal failure receiving therapeutic doses have demonstrated that zolpidem is not dialyzable. As with the management of all overdosage, the possibility of multiple drug ingestion should be considered. The physician may wish to consider contacting a poison control center for up-to-date information on the management of hypnotic drug product overdosage.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING AMBIEN CR 6.25 mg extended-release tablets are composed of two layers* and are coated, pink, round, biconvex, debossed with A~ on one side and supplied as: NDC Number Size 0713-5501-01 bottle of 100 AMBIEN CR 12.5 mg extended-release tablets are composed of two layers* and are coated, blue, round, biconvex, debossed with A~ on one side and supplied as: NDC Number Size 0713-5521-01 bottle of 100 *Layers are covered by the coating and are indistinguishable. Store between 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F). Limited excursions permissible up to 30°C (86°F).

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
134,358
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0713-5501-01 0713-5501 Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 100 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (0713-5501-01) February 7, 2025
0713-5521-01 0713-5521 Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 100 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (0713-5521-01) February 7, 2025
0713-5501 0713-5501 Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — February 7, 2025
0713-5521 0713-5521 Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — February 7, 2025

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.