The key difference between zolpidem and zolpidem tartrate is that zolpidem is a medication useful for the treatment of sleeping problems, whereas zolpidem tartrate is the active ingredient in zolpidem tablets.
Zolpidem belongs to a group of medicines called hypnotics. These medications can act on the brain to help in sleeping. Therefore, we can use this medication to treat our sleeping problems. Zolpidem tartrate is the active ingredient in this medication.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Zolpidem
3. What is Zolpidem Tartrate
4. Zolpidem vs Zolpidem Tartrate in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Zolpidem vs Zolpidem Tartrate
What is Zolpidem?
Zolpidem is a type of medication primarily used for the treatment of sleeping problems. It is used as a temporary medication for this condition. Zolpidem medication is sold under the brand name Ambien.
Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of Zolpidem
According to the instructions given with medication, it should be used only after cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and behavioral changes, including sleep hygiene. Moreover, it can decrease the time to sleep onset by about 15 minutes, and at large doses, it helps people stay asleep for a long time. This medication is taken orally, and it is available as conventional tablets, sublingual tablets, or oral spray.
There can be some side effects of zolpidem, such as daytime sleepiness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. In addition, there are some serious side effects, including memory problems and hallucinations. In 2013, the recommended dose for this medication was decreased to reduce the next-day somnolence.
When considering the various properties of zolpidem, its bioavailability is around 70% while its protein binding ability is about 92%. The metabolism of zolpidem occurs through the liver. The onset of action of this medication is about 30 minutes. The elimination half-life of zolpidem is about 2.5-3 hours. Moreover, zolpidem shows a duration of action of 3 hours. In addition, its excretion occurs through kidney and fecal matter.
What is Zolpidem Tartrate?
Zolpidem tartrate is the active ingredient in zolpidem tablets. Zolpidem medication is useful in treating sleeping problems. Therefore, zolpidem tartrate is the ingredient that causes the treatment ability of this medication. This medication belongs to a group of medications known as hypnotics. It can work by acting upon our brain and helps us to sleep.
Figure 02: Zolpidem Tablets
Besides, zolpidem tartrate extended-release is another prescription sedative that can relieve insomnia. It has a high potential for addiction, which makes it useful only for short-term treatment of sleeping problems.
What is the Difference Between Zolpidem and Zolpidem Tartrate?
Zolpidem belongs to a group of medicines called hypnotics. These medications can act on the brain to help in sleeping. Therefore, we can use this medication to treat various sleeping problems. The key difference between zolpidem and zolpidem tartrate is that zolpidem is a medication useful for the treatment of sleeping problems, whereas zolpidem tartrate is the active ingredient in zolpidem tablets.
The following table summarizes the difference between zolpidem and zolpidem tartrate.
Summary – Zolpidem vs Zolpidem Tartrate
Zolpidem is a medication mainly used for the short-term treatment of sleeping problems. Zolpidem Tartrate is the main ingredient contained in zolpidem tablets. Therefore, the key difference between zolpidem and zolpidem tartrate is that zolpidem is a medication useful for the treatment of sleeping problems, whereas zolpidem tartrate is the active ingredient in zolpidem tablets.
Reference:
1. “Zolpidem Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD.
2. “Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg Tablets.” Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – (Emc).
3. “Zolpidem Tartrate.” An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
4. “Zolpidem: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Zolpidem” By Harbinary – PubChem (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Stilnoct2” By Entheta – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia