Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0043352 (xerostomia)
 4,250 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Effective and safe hypnotics exist especially since the introduction of benzodiazepines (BZD) which appeared to bring major advantages over barbiturates. Ideally a new hypnotic should induce and maintain sleep without producing residual effect during the day and should be devoid of abuse and dependence potential. Zopiclone is a new hypnotic belonging to the cyclopyrrolone chemical class. Its elimination half-life is 5 to 6 h, no accumulation exists upon repeated administration, and its pharmacokinetic profile is not substantially modified in elderly and renal failure patients. Placebo-controlled studies have shown that zopiclone 7.5 mg is an effective hypnotic, and that it can improve all sleep variables in insomniacs. Its effects on sleep stages differ from those observed with BZD hypnotics: REM sleep is substantially unaffected by zopiclone and slow wave sleep is either unaffected or increased. Objective and subjective measurements during the day after bedtime administration of zopiclone, showed lack of residual effects and no residual impairment of cognitive functions. Zopiclone discontinuation is not accompanied by rebound effect and relevant withdrawal symptoms. Specific "craving effect" studies in alcoholics did not show an abuse potential for zopiclone. Side-effects are represented mainly by bitter taste and dry mouth with a minimal incidence of CNS depressant effects. Studies on the effects of zopiclone on respiratory functions failed to show detrimental effects. Efficacy and safety data on zopiclone suggest that this new drug can represent a useful alternative to existing hypnotics.
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PMID:Zopiclone, the third generation hypnotic: a clinical overview. 220 26

Zopiclone is a cyclopyrrolone which is chemically unrelated to the benzodiazepines and is thought to act on the GABAA receptor complex at a site distinct from, but closely related to, the benzodiazepine binding site. The hypnotic efficacy of zopiclone administered as single oral doses has been demonstrated in patients undergoing next-day surgery and in patients with insomnia, and these studies have established an optimal dose of 7.5mg for elderly patients. Using this dose, clinical studies have shown that zopiclone improved sleep in elderly patients to a similar extent as triazolam 0.125 to 0.5mg, flurazepam 15mg, and nitrazepam 5mg. Studies that also included younger patients have shown that zopiclone 7.5mg is at least as effective as triazolam 0.25 or 0.5mg, and on most sleep parameters is comparable to temazepam 20mg, nitrazepam 5mg, flunitrazepam 2mg, and flurazepam 20mg. Zopiclone causes minimal impairment to psychomotor performance and mental alertness the morning after night-time administration. The drug is generally well tolerated by patients of all ages; the most frequently reported adverse effects being bitter taste and dry mouth. Treatment withdrawal due to adverse effects is seldom required and reports of rebound insomnia after zopiclone withdrawal are rare. While symptoms of physical dependence have not been observed in clinical studies, there have been isolated reports of physical dependence in patients with a history of substance abuse. Although the latter finding should be kept in mind, it appears that zopiclone has a low dependence liability. Thus, with its short duration of action and good tolerability profile, zopiclone is a well established alternative to the benzodiazepine hypnotics and may be particularly beneficial in those patients unable or unwilling to tolerate the residual effects associated with many other hypnotic agents.
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PMID:Zopiclone. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy as an hypnotic. 824 8

Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazapine hypnotic used for the treatment of insomnia. Significant side effects include daytime drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, bitter taste, dry mouth, headache, and upset stomach. A single method for confirmation and quantitation of zopiclone was developed for biological specimens and tissues. Zopiclone is extracted from the biological matrix using solid phase extraction technology. The drug is confirmed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry for toxicological and forensic purposes.
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PMID:Identification and quantitation of zopiclone in biological matrices using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 2007 5