Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using zolpidem as follows:
- When taken together, zolpidem can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. Some medications, such as, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, anti-GERD agents like omeprazole, inhibit the enzyme systems needed for the metabolism of zolpidem. Concurrent administration of these medications with zolpidem can prolong the duration of zolpidem action, secondary to inhibition of zolpidem metabolism, and result in toxicity. Avoid taking zolpidem with grapefruit juice, as it can also inhibit the enzyme systems needed for the metabolism of zolpidem and result in toxicity with zolpidem.
- Individuals with history of breathing issues, such as, asthma sleep apnea, and COPD, must exercise extra precaution in watching out for any compromised breathing function, secondary to zolpidem intake. Avoid taking zolpidem along with any other products and drugs, which also carry the risk of depression of the respiratory center, such as, alcohol, OTC cough syrups, narcotic pain medications, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. The individual influence of these medications on respirations can complement the effect of zolpidem on respiration and lead to severe respiratory depression and can even be fatal.
