What is the recommended initial nighttime zolpidem IR dose for women?

What is the recommended initial nighttime zolpidem IR dose for women?

• A. 10 mg IR.
• B. 5 mg ER.
• C. 5 mg IR.
• D. 10 mg ER.

Answer: (C)

Dosing zolpidem in women is kept lower at the start because women reach higher blood levels from the same dose, which raises the risk of next-day sedation and impairment. The immediate-release form is used for sleep onset, so the initial nighttime dose for women is 5 mg. This lower dose helps treat the difficulty falling asleep while minimizing residual effects the next day. A 10 mg dose would increase exposure and the chance of impairment, and extended-release formulations have different duration and starting doses, so they aren’t the standard initial choice for this scenario. Therefore, 5 mg taken at bedtime is the best starting option.

Dosing zolpidem in women is kept lower at the start because women reach higher blood levels from the same dose, which raises the risk of next-day sedation and impairment. The immediate-release form is used for sleep onset, so the initial nighttime dose for women is 5 mg. This lower dose helps treat the difficulty falling asleep while minimizing residual effects the next day. A 10 mg dose would increase exposure and the chance of impairment, and extended-release formulations have different duration and starting doses, so they aren’t the standard initial choice for this scenario. Therefore, 5 mg taken at bedtime is the best starting option.