Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

Take zaleplon just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. This medicine works very quickly to put you to sleep.

Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get at least 4 hours of sleep. If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.

Zaleplon may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, taking this medicine with or immediately after a heavy or a high fat meal may make zaleplon not work as fast.

Dosing—The dose of zaleplon will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of zaleplon. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For the treatment of insomnia (trouble in sleeping):
    • Adults—10 milligrams (mg) at bedtime
    • Older adults—5 mg at bedtime
    • Children up to 18 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by doctor

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.