Zopiclone 7.5mg (ZOP)

😴 Fall Asleep Faster

Reduces sleep onset latency — you fall asleep more quickly after going to bed, typically within one hour of taking the tablet.

🌙 Stay Asleep Through the Night

Reduces the number of night-time awakenings, allowing for more continuous and uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.

⏰ Sleep Longer

Increases total sleep duration, helping you achieve a full 7–8 hour night’s rest and wake feeling more refreshed.

Target Receptor

GABA-A receptor (CNS)

Mechanism

Positive allosteric modulator — enhances GABA inhibitory activity, reducing brain excitability and promoting sedation

Half-Life

~5 hours (adults); up to 7 hours in elderly patients

Different to Benzodiazepines?

Yes — molecularly distinct (cyclopyrrolone class) but similar mechanism and effects

7.5 mg is the standard adult dose as recommended by the NHS. A lower dose of 3.75 mg is usually recommended as the starting dose for patients over 65 years or those with renal or hepatic impairment. Treatment should not exceed 2 – 4 weeks, including any tapering period.

Adults (18 – 64 years)

Dose

7.5 mg (1 tablet) per night

When to take

Just before going to bed

Frequency

Once per night — do not re-dose during the same night

Max duration

2 – 4 weeks including tapering period

Elderly (over 65 years) / Renal or Hepatic Impairment

Starting dose

3.75 mg — reduces risk of excessive sedation and side effects

Titration

May increase to 7.5 mg if clinically necessary and well tolerated

⛔ Children & Adolescents under 18

Not recommended — safety and efficacy not established

💡 Tips for Best Results

• Take just before bed — only when you have at least 7–8 hours available to sleep.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water — can be taken with or without food.
• Never take a second dose if you wake during the night.
• Do not drink alcohol on the same day — sedative effects are significantly amplified and can be dangerous.

Very Common

Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, dry mouth, daytime drowsiness

Common

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, light-headedness

Rare

Amnesia, confusion, depression, nightmares, hallucinations, sleepwalking, incoordination

Serious

Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), respiratory depression (especially with opioids or alcohol), drug dependence

⚠ Key Safety Warnings

• Dependence risk: Physical and psychological dependence can develop, especially with use beyond 4 weeks. Discuss an exit strategy before starting treatment and taper dose on discontinuation.
• Alcohol: Strictly avoid — combining with alcohol causes severe CNS depression and can be life-threatening.
• Opioids: Concomitant use can cause drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
• Driving & machinery: Do not drive or operate machinery on the day of taking or the following morning if still feeling drowsy.
• Rebound insomnia: Stopping abruptly may cause temporary worsening of sleep — always taper dose gradually.

⛔ Known hypersensitivity to zopiclone or any excipient

⛔ Severe respiratory insufficiency or sleep apnoea

⛔ Severe hepatic impairment

⛔ Myasthenia gravis

⛔ History of drug or alcohol dependence

⛔ Pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult doctor first

⛔ Children and adolescents under 18 years

Key Interactions

Alcohol (avoid — fatal CNS depression risk); Opioids (avoid — respiratory depression); Rifampicin (reduces effect); Itraconazole / Erythromycin / Fluconazole (increase zopiclone levels); other CNS depressants (additive sedation)

Temperature

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place

Light & Moisture

Keep in original packaging; protect from light and moisture

Children

Keep out of sight and reach of children at all times

Expiry

Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging

Disposal

Return unused tablets to pharmacy. Do not flush or dispose in household waste.

Brand Name

ZOP Tablets

Manufacturer

HAB Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Active Ingredient

Zopiclone 7.5 mg per tablet (I.P.)

Drug Class

Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotic (Z-drug)

Dosage Form

Tablets I.P. (Oral)

Pack Size

10 × 10 = 100 tablets per box

Indication

Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults