Imozop

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Imozop

Method of action: Hypnotic

Treatment option: Insomnia

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Imozop

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Zopiclone
Form Oral, Film-Coated Tablet
Pharmacological Class Sedative-Hypnotic (Z-Drug)
Common Use Temporary difficulties with sleep onset and maintenance
Origin Synthetic, Cyclopyrrolone Derivative

What Type of Medicine is Imozop?

Imozop is a synthetic, prescription-only medication whose active ingredient is Zopiclone, definitively classified as a sedative-hypnotic agent. This classification confirms the drug's intended function is to induce a state of restfulness. It belongs to the group of compounds commonly known as Z-drugs, specifically categorized as a cyclopyrrolone derivative. This pharmacological class is clinically recognized for supporting a reduction in the time needed to fall asleep, a key feature that differentiates it from older sedative agents because it was designed for a more targeted interaction with the brain's sleep regulatory centers.

Imozop's Composition and General Purpose

The medication is a single-ingredient product delivered as an oral, film-coated tablet, which represents the standard pharmaceutical preparation. The composition centers entirely on the Zopiclone compound, formulated with pharmaceutical excipients necessary for stability and systemic delivery. Zopiclone's mechanism of action involves enhancing the effects of the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), thereby amplifying the natural calming signals within the central nervous system. This targeted action establishes the general therapeutic purpose of Imozop: to provide temporary support for managing episodes of sleep disturbance, helping the patient achieve a state of restfulness when typical sleep onset is a challenge.

What side effects are possible with Imozop?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety profile for Zopiclone, the active ingredient in Imozop, categorizes adverse reactions based on their frequency and the body system affected, according to regulatory documents.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported effects are classified as Common (affecting 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people) and primarily involve the nervous and gastrointestinal systems.

Frequency Classification Associated Adverse Reactions (Examples)
Common Dysgeusia (bitter taste), Somnolence (drowsiness), Dry mouth, Dizziness
Uncommon Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue, Rash, Abnormal dreams, Agitation
Rare Anterograde amnesia, Confusion, Hallucination, Falls, Libido disorder
Very Rare Anaphylactic reactions, Angioedema, Liver enzyme increases

Reactions such as dependence, rebound insomnia, muscle weakness, and complex sleep behaviors (like sleep driving or making phone calls while not fully awake) are also documented, with frequency listed as Not Known (cannot be estimated from available data).


Official Safety Considerations

The regulatory safety documents define risks associated with patient groups and duration of use. Older adults are noted to have an increased risk of falls due to the sedative effects. Use is contraindicated in individuals with severe hepatic insufficiency, severe respiratory failure, or Myasthenia Gravis.

Risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms is proportional to the dose and duration of treatment, highlighting a duration-related safety pattern. Certain CNS effects, such as drowsiness, may be more pronounced at the start of treatment. The risk of psychomotor impairment in the morning after ingestion is also recognized in official labeling.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

Feature Regulatory Documentation Statement
Documented Overdose Manifestations Presentation includes a progression of Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression, ranging from somnolence and sedation to coma. Clinical signs may also include ataxia and hypotonia.
Physiological Systems Affected The Central Nervous System (leading to depression/coma) and the Respiratory System (carrying the risk of respiratory depression).
Exposure-Related Factors Severity is markedly increased by the co-ingestion of alcohol or other CNS depressants. Risk of complex behaviors is increased when the dose taken exceeds the maximum recommended dose.
Population-Specific Overdose Notes For patients with suicidal tendencies, regulatory advice states to prescribe the lowest possible quantity of the medication to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.
Emergency-Response Statements Management is primarily symptomatic and supportive. The drug's effects can be pharmacologically blocked by the antagonist Flumazenil. Urgent monitoring of cardiac function and vital signs is mandated.
When Immediate Medical Help is Required Immediate medical attention is required for life-threatening symptoms such as profound respiratory compromise or progression toward coma. Immediate hospitalization is necessary for anaphylactic reactions like angioedema.

Official Overdose Statements

  • Overdose may result in a continuum of CNS depression that can escalate to coma and respiratory depression.
  • The effects are critically potentiated when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants, significantly increasing the risk of death.
  • The primary approach to management is symptomatic and supportive treatment, including the maintenance of a clear airway and mandatory monitoring of vital signs.
  • The official regulatory documents acknowledge that the effects of Zopiclone can be antagonized by Flumazenil.

Connection to the Overall Overdose Profile

Regulatory documents define the Imozop overdose profile primarily by the risk of Central Nervous System Depression and the potential for a life-threatening outcome, specifically respiratory depression, especially in cases of poly-ingestion. This profile mandates that individuals must seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms and confirms that management protocols involve general supportive care, with the availability of the specific antagonist Flumazenil. The official labeling also directs prescribers to mitigate the risk of intentional overdose by dispensing the smallest feasible quantity.

Therapeutic Uses of Imozop

What Imozop Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Imozop is a medication for the short-term symptomatic management of severe sleep disturbances in adults. Its therapeutic role is to provide support across the main symptom axes of insomnia. It is commonly used when disturbed sleep results in symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Quick Fact Description
Primary Therapeutic Goal Short-term symptomatic relief of sleep disturbance
Main Symptom Area Difficulties with sleep onset and maintenance
Use Context Applied in situations involving acute or disruptive episodes

This medication plays a role in managing the symptom clusters related to the inability to start or sustain a night of rest, including difficulties with falling asleep and frequent nocturnal awakenings. It is considered relevant in conditions involving episodic or transient manifestations, offering supportive relief when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming. By helping to manage the nighttime symptom burden, the medication assists with maintaining functional stability and contributes to improved day-to-day comfort.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Imozop (Zopiclone) is approved for use in adults for the short-term symptomatic management of severe sleep disturbances. Eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on age and pre-existing medical conditions.

Contraindicated Populations

Use is strictly contraindicated in several populations. This includes individuals with severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, Myasthenia Gravis, severe sleep apnoea syndrome, or known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. It is also contraindicated if the patient is under 18 years of age, as safety and efficacy have not been established in the pediatric population.

Restricted and Conditional Use

Use is conditional and restricted for specific adult groups. Older adults and patients with impaired renal function or non-severe hepatic insufficiency are eligible but must begin treatment with a specified reduced dose. The use of Imozop is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, according to official regulatory labeling. Individuals with a history of alcohol or drug dependence require special caution.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Imozop (Zopiclone) has documented interactions that primarily fall into two categories: pharmacokinetic modification and pharmacodynamic reinforcement, as described in regulatory labels.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions (Exposure Modification)

The clearance of Zopiclone is predominantly managed by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Co-administration with certain medicines can significantly alter the drug's exposure in the body:

  • Increased Exposure: Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as the antifungals Ketoconazole and Itraconazole, or the antibiotics Clarithromycin and Erythromycin, are documented to increase the plasma concentration of Imozop due to reduced metabolic clearance.
  • Decreased Exposure: Potent CYP3A4 inducers, such as Rifampicin/Rifampin and the herbal product St John's Wort, can decrease Zopiclone plasma concentrations and effect through increased metabolism.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions and Restrictions

These interactions result in additive or synergistic effects on the central nervous system (CNS):

  • Opioids and CNS Depressants: Co-administration with Opioids, Anxiolytics, Antipsychotics, or other CNS depressants carries an official regulatory warning regarding the risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression.
  • Alcohol (Ethanol): The consumption of alcohol must be avoided as it significantly enhances the sedative effects of Imozop.

Administration Timing Constraint

Official labeling includes a procedural constraint that the medicine should not be administered with or immediately following a heavy, high-fat meal, as this may impair its documented effect on sleep onset.

Mechanism of Action

How Imozop Works: Mechanism of Action

Imozop functions as a modulator that specifically interferes with the Hippo signaling pathway, primarily by targeting the transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). The drug initiates its mechanism by promoting the activity of upstream LATS1/2 kinases, effectively shifting the entire Hippo pathway toward its "growth-suppressive" state.

This cascade causes the phosphorylation and subsequent sequestration of YAP and TAZ in the cytoplasm, which prevents them from entering the nucleus to drive the expression of pro-survival genes. This molecular interference leads to the core physiological effect: cell cycle arrest and an increased rate of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the affected cells. The resulting limitation of cell expansion through this mechanism modulates local tissue dynamics and contributes to the drug’s overall action.

Dosage and Administration Information

Imozop is delivered exclusively by the oral route as a film-coated tablet. The official administration instruction requires the tablet to be swallowed whole without sucking, chewing, or breaking. It is administered as a single dose once per night, taken immediately before retiring, and must not be re-administered during the same night. The medication must only be taken when the patient is certain that a full night's sleep of at least seven to eight hours is possible.

The recommended standard dose for adults is 7.5 mg, which should not be exceeded. However, a reduced starting dose of 3.75 mg is officially recommended for specific populations, including older adults (geriatric), and individuals with hepatic or renal impairment.

The overall use of Imozop is constrained by a strict time-bound protocol. The total duration of treatment should be as short as possible, generally not exceeding four weeks, including the period required for gradual dose reduction. The official protocol also specifies that if a dose is missed at bedtime, it must be skipped, and the subsequent dose taken at the usual time the following night; doses must never be doubled.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Research has investigated the effects of the combination of Drug A and Drug B in participants diagnosed with Condition Z. Studies have also evaluated the effect of the combination on objective biomarkers related to chronic inflammation. Researchers assessed patient-reported outcomes, including measures of pain and quality of life.


Drug A/B Combination Studies

Studies have assessed the combination in a population of participants with Condition Z, specifically focusing on reported changes over a 6-month period. The evidence primarily comes from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

Outcome Type Metric Assessed
Primary Percentage of participants reaching pre-defined clinical response criteria.
Secondary Joint swelling, morning stiffness, and general fatigue.

Findings were mixed across various endpoints, and evidence remains limited regarding long-term outcomes (beyond 1 year).


Safety and Study Limitations

Observed side effects were collected and analyzed. Studies also evaluated drug activity in relation to acute disease exacerbations. Research has documented the potential for drug-drug interactions, specifically with co-administration of Treatment C. Studies have described that liver function was monitored closely during the initial three months of therapy.

The combination was compared against other treatments in study populations with differing disease severity. Research documented the frequency of disease exacerbations when comparing the combination to Drug A monotherapy.

The studies suggest that individual patient responses vary widely, and based on the available evidence, it is not yet clear whether all participants experience a similar change in symptoms.

Key Studies & References Efficacy and Safety of Drug A and Drug B Combination in Condition Z: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Imozop (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Imozop start working?

Official product information states that the highest concentration of the drug in the body is usually reached within 1.5 to 2 hours after the tablet is taken. Regulatory labeling indicates that the medication is typically administered immediately before retiring for the night.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Imozop?

Regulatory guidance specifies that if the medication is missed at the time the dose is usually administered, that dose is skipped completely. Regulatory documents state that the next dose is administered at the usual time on the following night. Dosage duplication is contraindicated.

Q: How long can a person safely stay on Imozop?

Official documents describe the total duration of treatment as short-term, generally not exceeding four weeks, which includes any period of gradual dose reduction. Official documents indicate that the risk of developing tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms is proportional to the duration and dose of treatment.

Q: What should I do if I am already taking herbal remedies with Imozop?

Official warnings advise against taking herbal remedies that may cause drowsiness, as this can increase the sedative effects of Imozop. Specifically, co-administration with the herbal product St John's Wort is documented to potentially decrease the concentration of Imozop in the body.

Q: What is the main difference between Imozop and other medicines used for the same thing?

Imozop is classified as a Z-drug, or non-benzodiazepine hypnotic. The active ingredient belongs to a chemical class called a cyclopyrrolone derivative. Its mechanism involves modulating the brain's GABA A receptors, which is the site of action for its sleep-inducing effect.

Q: Does Imozop make you feel sleepy?

As a sedative-hypnotic agent, the drug is intended to induce a state of restfulness and sleep. Somnolence (drowsiness) is listed in regulatory documents as a common adverse reaction. Official warnings also describe the recognized risk of psychomotor impairment the morning after administration.

Q: What are the most common mild side effects of Imozop?

According to official safety documents, the most frequently reported adverse reactions are classified as Common, affecting between 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people. These effects primarily involve a bitter or metallic taste (dysgeusia), drowsiness (somnolence), and dry mouth.

Q: Can Imozop be taken with common pain relievers?

Regulatory documents include specific warnings regarding co-administration with strong painkillers, such as Opioids, due to the potential for enhanced sedation and respiratory depression. For common over-the-counter pain relievers, official information emphasizes that the healthcare professional must be informed of all co-administered medicines.

Q: Is it safe to drink coffee while taking Imozop?

Official patient information notes that caffeine may have an opposing effect in the body compared to the medication. As such, caffeine may prevent the medication from working as intended to support sleep onset and maintenance.

Q: Are there any long-term effects of using Imozop?

The regulatory review of Imozop focuses on safety within the short-term duration of use. Risks associated with using the drug for longer than the recommended four weeks include an increased potential for developing dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Q: Is Imozop safe for children?

Imozop is contraindicated, meaning it is strictly not allowed, for individuals who are under 18 years of age. Regulatory authorities have not established the safety or effectiveness of this medication in the pediatric population.

Q: Can I stop taking Imozop once I feel better?

The official protocol specifies that treatment cessation is typically managed through a period of gradual dose reduction (tapering). Abrupt cessation is documented to increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms, such as rebound insomnia (a return of more severe sleep issues).

Q: Can Imozop be split or crushed?

Regulatory administration instructions explicitly state that the film-coated tablet must be swallowed whole. Regulatory administration instructions state that the tablet should not be crushed, chewed, or broken.

Q: Are headaches a common side effect of Imozop?

Headache is listed as an associated adverse reaction in some official patient information, though the specific frequency classification may vary depending on the regulatory document referenced.

Q: What if I take another medicine that causes similar side effects as Imozop?

Regulatory information cautions that taking Imozop with other medicines that cause sedation or dizziness can lead to additive effects. This can increase the risk of adverse reactions such as next-day impairment, profound sedation, or respiratory depression.

Q: What is the typical age range for people prescribed Imozop?

The drug is approved for use in adults (18 years and older). Official labeling specifically notes that older adults (the geriatric population) are a special group who must begin treatment with a reduced starting dose.

Q: What types of research evidence support the use of Imozop?

Research evidence supports the approval of Imozop for the short-term symptomatic management of severe sleep disturbances. This includes difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, and waking too early. Studies have assessed outcomes related to sleep latency (time to fall asleep) and the overall duration of sleep.

How should Imozop be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Storage and disposal of Imozop (zopiclone) must strictly follow the conditions mandated by regulatory labeling to maintain product stability and ensure public safety.

Storage Conditions

Requirement Specific Rule
Temperature Store below 30°C (86°F).
Protection Protect from light and moisture.
Container Keep in the original, tightly closed package.
Prohibited Do not freeze.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Imozop must not be disposed of using household waste or wastewater, as mandated by official environmental and safety regulations. The required procedure is to dispose of the medication in accordance with local requirements, typically by returning it to a pharmacist or authorized pharmaceutical waste disposal program.

Child Safety

The medication must always be kept strictly out of the sight and reach of children.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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