Description
Zopidaily (Zopiclone) 10 mg
Zopidaily is a brand name used for zopiclone, a prescription hypnotic medicine used for short-term treatment of insomnia. The supplied product name indicates a 10 mg tablet, but the verified medicine ingredient is zopiclone. Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic in the cyclopyrrolone class.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The active ingredient is zopiclone. It is classified as a hypnotic and sedative, specifically a benzodiazepine-related medicine. Official product information places it in the ATC group N05CF01.
Established Medical Uses
Zopiclone is established for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakening and early awakening. Official product information states that use should be limited to the shortest possible duration, and long-term continuous use is not recommended.
How It Works
Zopiclone acts on the central nervous system by enhancing inhibitory signalling through the GABA receptor complex, which helps produce sleep. Product information describes hypnotic, sedative and anxiolytic effects, with sleep onset and sleep maintenance benefits.
Important Safety Information
Important cautions include the risk of dependence, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, especially with longer use. Official guidance advises avoiding extended treatment without reassessment. Zopiclone should be used carefully in people with hepatic impairment, and product information notes lower starting doses in older adults and in some patients with liver disease. It is also unsuitable in children and adolescents under 18 years in the referenced product information.
Clinically significant interactions may occur with other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol and medicines that increase sedation. Use with other sedating drugs can increase impairment and drowsiness.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include bitter or unpleasant taste, drowsiness, dry mouth, and next-day impairment. More serious reactions can include confusion, abnormal behaviour, falls, respiratory depression when combined with other depressants, and dependence or withdrawal phenomena.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews and meta-analyses show that zopiclone can improve sleep onset and sleep maintenance in adults with insomnia. Evidence also suggests it is effective as a short-term hypnotic, though tolerability issues and residual sedation remain important considerations. A recent systematic review in older adults found reductions in sleep latency and nocturnal awakenings, with improved total sleep time.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is for educational use only and is based on sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- Medicines.org.uk (emc): Zopiclone 7.5mg film-coated tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics
- S Noble et al.: Zopiclone. An update of its pharmacology, clinical efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of insomnia. Drugs. 1998.
- R Flung et al.: Zopiclone to treat insomnia in older adults: A systematic review. 2021.
