Description
Zopfresh-E (Zopiclone) 6 mg
Zopfresh-e 6 mg is a zopiclone oral tablet. Zopiclone is a prescription hypnotic medicine used for short-term treatment of insomnia. The product name and strength identify the presentation, while the active ingredient is verified as zopiclone.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, also described as a cyclopyrrolone. It belongs to the benzodiazepine-related sedative-hypnotic class and is classified in the ATC system as N05CF01.
Established Medical Uses
Official product information for zopiclone describes its use for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep, night waking and early morning awakening. Long-term continuous use is not recommended.
How It Works
Zopiclone acts on the central GABAA receptor complex and enhances GABA-mediated inhibitory activity in the brain. This produces hypnotic and sedative effects that help initiate and maintain sleep. Peer-reviewed reviews describe a distinct binding profile from classic benzodiazepines, although the clinical effect is similar.
Important Safety Information
Zopiclone is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to zopiclone or excipients, and it is generally unsuitable for children and adolescents. Regulatory information also highlights the need for caution in patients with hepatic impairment, respiratory compromise, a history of substance misuse, or depression. Clinically significant interactions may occur with alcohol, opioids, other central nervous system depressants, and medicines that add to sedation or respiratory depression.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include bitter taste, drowsiness, dry mouth, and next-day impairment or dizziness. More serious reactions can include confusion, abnormal behaviour, falls, memory disturbance, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, respiratory depression, and worsening of depression or suicidal thinking in susceptible patients.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews and systematic reviews support zopiclone as an effective short-term hypnotic that can reduce sleep latency and nocturnal awakenings. The evidence also shows that tolerability is limited by adverse effects such as dysgeusia and next-day sedation, and that the benefits and risks are less certain with prolonged use.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is provided for educational purposes only and reflects sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, the summary of product characteristics, or individual professional assessment.
Medical Sources
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency / electronic Medicines Compendium: Zopiclone 7.5 mg film-coated tablets, Summary of Product Characteristics. View source
- S. Noble et al.: “Zopiclone. An update of its pharmacology, clinical efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of insomnia.” Drugs (1998). View PubMed article
