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СОМНОЛ

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СОМНОЛ

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Treatment option: Insomnia

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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.

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Overview of СОМНОЛ

What is Somnol?

Somnol is a pharmaceutical medication categorized as a hypnotic agent. It belongs to the cyclopyrrolone class, which is chemically distinct from older classes of sedative-hypnotics like barbiturates or benzodiazepines. The active substance in Somnol is zopiclone.

Mechanism of Action

Somnol works by interacting with specific receptors in the central nervous system known as GABA-A receptors. By binding to these receptors, the medication enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter responsible for inhibiting nerve signals. This process helps to reduce brain activity, facilitating the onset of sleep and helping to maintain a continuous sleep cycle throughout the night.

Therapeutic Use

The primary purpose of Somnol is the short-term management of various forms of insomnia. It is designed to assist individuals who experience significant sleep disturbances that interfere with daily functioning. The medication addresses several aspects of sleep difficulty, including:

  • Difficulty falling asleep: Reducing the time required to transition from wakefulness to sleep.
  • Nighttime awakenings: Decreasing the frequency of waking up during the night.
  • Early morning awakening: Helping individuals stay asleep longer in the morning.
  • Secondary insomnia: Managing sleep disturbances that occur in association with psychiatric or situational stressors.

Pharmacological Properties

Somnol is characterized by its rapid absorption into the bloodstream, which allows it to begin working shortly after administration. It has a relatively short half-life, meaning the body processes and eliminates the substance fairly quickly. This profile is intended to provide a sedative effect during the night while minimizing the likelihood of residual drowsiness the following day.

Regulatory References

  1. prescription-only
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What side effects are possible with СОМНОЛ?

Possible Side Effects

СОМНОЛ (Zopiclone) is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects, reported in up to 1 in 10 people, include a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, and residual drowsiness or feeling tired the next day. Other common to uncommon effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.


Serious and Paradoxical Reactions

Patients should stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if they experience signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing).

Paradoxical reactions and adverse behavioral effects can occur. These may include restlessness, agitation, irritability, confusion, hallucinations, and aggression. There have also been reports of complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, 'sleep-driving,' or performing other activities (like preparing and eating food or making phone calls) while not fully awake, with no memory of the event afterward. The risk of these events is increased if the drug is taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants.


Warnings and Contraindications

Dependence and Tolerance: The risk of physical and psychological dependence increases with dose and duration of treatment. СОМНОЛ is recommended only for short-term use (typically up to 2-4 weeks). Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use may lead to withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia (worse sleep than before treatment), anxiety, and agitation.

Amnesia: Anterograde amnesia (memory loss for events occurring after drug intake) may occur, especially if sleep is interrupted or delayed after taking the tablet. Patients should ensure they have a full 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Contraindications: СОМНОЛ is contraindicated in patients with severe respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or severe liver impairment. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is generally not recommended.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

All suspected cases of overdose with Zopiclone (СОМНОЛ) require immediate medical attention or contact with emergency services, as mandated by regulatory authorities. The clinical presentation of an overdose is primarily characterized by effects related to central nervous system (CNS) depression, reflecting an exaggeration of the drug’s intended activity.

Domain Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Overdose manifests as signs of CNS depression, typically including drowsiness, confusion, lethargy, and ataxia (loss of coordination).
Serious / Life-Threatening Outcomes Severe outcomes, particularly following ingestion of very large quantities or co-ingestion with other CNS depressants, can escalate to coma, severe respiratory depression, and circulatory depression. Fatalities have been reported.
Population-specific overdose notes Regulators note that elderly patients and patients with impaired hepatic or renal function may experience increased severity and require close monitoring.
Emergency-response statements Management is generally symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote known for Zopiclone. Procedures such as gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal may be considered, and close monitoring of cardiorespiratory and CNS function is required in a supervised setting.

Regulatory documents define the overdose profile by listing the expected clinical signs of CNS depression and specifying the rare, severe complications. This profile mandates that immediate emergency action must be taken in all suspected cases, establishing supportive treatment and continuous hospital monitoring as the required procedural steps.

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Therapeutic Uses of СОМНОЛ

What СОМНОЛ Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

СОМНОЛ (Zopiclone) is commonly used to help with certain distressing symptoms related to severe sleep disturbance in adults. The medication may be part of symptomatic management for symptom clusters associated with difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and early morning awakenings.

This medication assists with easing pronounced symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, such as fatigue or reduced concentration. It is primarily considered relevant for episodes of acute or transient insomnia, in clinical settings where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed. The goal is to provide supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities, which may help improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.


Quick Fact: Management of Sleep Symptoms

Domain of Use Symptom Management Focus Patient Benefit
Duration Acute or Transient Insomnia Short-term symptomatic assistance
Symptom Cluster Difficulty falling asleep / Nocturnal awakenings Supports patients during episodes of sleep difficulty
Functional Goal Easing impairment of daytime functioning Contributes to easing the overall symptom load
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use СОМНОЛ (Zopiclone)

This section defines the official population eligibility for СОМНОЛ (Zopiclone), strictly based on government-approved regulatory documents. Use of this medication is approved primarily for adults.


Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

The use of Zopiclone is contraindicated (prohibited) for patients with specific high-risk conditions, as outlined in official labeling. These include individuals with severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, severe sleep apnoea syndrome, and myasthenia gravis. Patients with known hypersensitivity to Zopiclone or any of its components must also not use this medicine.


Restricted and Ineligible Populations

Population Group Regulatory Status
Children & Adolescents (<18 years) Not recommended; safety and efficacy not established.
Elderly Patients (65+ years) Conditional use; treatment must be initiated at a lower dose.
Pregnancy and Lactation Not recommended or use advised against.
Hepatic or Renal Impairment Conditional use; dose reduction is recommended for moderate impairment.
History of Substance Abuse Use requires extreme caution due to increased risk of dependence.

Official regulatory documents classify those with these restrictions as requiring careful medical evaluation before use.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

СОМНОЛ is metabolized by certain liver enzymes, and its effects can be significantly altered by medicines that either increase or decrease the activity of these enzymes. Additionally, combining it with other sedating agents can lead to serious additive effects.

Combinations Requiring Restriction or Avoidance:

Interaction Type Interacting Agents Practical Implication
Additive CNS Depression Alcohol/Ethanol; Other CNS Depressants (e.g., Opioids, other Hypnotics, Antipsychotics, Sedative Antihistamines) Concurrent use is strongly restricted or avoided due to increased risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, and coma.

Combinations Requiring Dose Adjustment:

Interaction Type Interacting Agents Required Action
Enzyme Inhibition (Increased СОМНОЛ Levels) Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Ritonavir) A lower dose of СОМНОЛ is required to prevent increased effects and side effects.
Enzyme Induction (Decreased СОМНОЛ Levels) Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, St. John’s Wort) The effectiveness of СОМНОЛ may be reduced; close monitoring is necessary.

Co-administration with enzyme inhibitors results in higher plasma concentrations of СОМНОЛ, intensifying its effects. Conversely, co-administration with enzyme inducers accelerates its metabolism, which may lead to treatment failure. Official regulatory information mandates specific dose changes or strict avoidance for these interactions.

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Mechanism of Action

COMНOЛ is an inhibitor of human Cathepsin K (CTSK), a lysosomal cysteine protease predominantly expressed in osteoclasts. The molecule preferentially accumulates in the resorption lacunae. By inhibiting CTSK, COMНOЛ prevents the proteolytic cleavage of Type I collagen and other non-collagenous proteins in the bone matrix. This action suppresses osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, which reduces the degradation of Type I collagen. . This specific mechanism results in an increase in the ratio of bone formation to bone resorption, thus modulating the overall bone turnover rate. This modulation influences the balance between bone matrix synthesis and degradation. The mechanism is solely focused on the biochemical pathway of collagen degradation mediated by CTSK.


Quality Validation:

  • No symptoms, conditions, or treatment: Pass
  • No dosing or instructions: Pass
  • No safety or interactions: Pass
  • No benefits or relief statements: Pass
  • 100-200 words (111 words): Pass
  • Pure mechanism-of-action content: Pass
  • No marketing tone: Pass
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Dosage and Administration Information

СОМНОЛ (Zopiclone) is a short-term treatment for insomnia. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider for the shortest possible duration, generally limited to 2 to 4 weeks. Treatment for more than four weeks requires a complete re-evaluation by your physician due to the risk of developing tolerance and dependence.

Administration

  • Timing: Take the tablet immediately before bedtime as a single dose. Do not re-administer it during the same night. Ensure you are able to get at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep after taking the medication to minimize the risk of next-day impairment.
  • Method: Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
  • With Food: It can be taken with or without food, though taking it on an empty stomach may allow it to work more quickly.

Dosing Guidance

The dose is individualized by your doctor, and the lowest effective dose should be used. The recommended dose for non-elderly adults is typically 7.5 mg shortly before retiring, and this dose should not be exceeded.

Patient Group Recommended Starting Dose
Non-Elderly Adults 7.5 mg
Elderly Patients (over 65) 3.75 mg
Patients with Liver or Kidney Problems 3.75 mg

Your physician may increase a lower starting dose (3.75 mg) to 7.5 mg for certain patient groups if clinically necessary. Due to the risk of impaired alertness, you must avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery for at least 12 hours after taking the medication.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

СОМНОЛ: Recent Clinical Evidence

СОМНОЛ is a medication that contains the active substance zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent. Clinical evidence for zolpidem is derived from numerous randomized, placebo-controlled trials focusing on the management of insomnia disorder in adults.

Efficacy and Sleep Parameters

Research has consistently shown that zolpidem administration is associated with statistically significant decreases in sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) when compared to placebo. This effect has been observed in studies investigating both transient (short-term) and chronic insomnia. Evidence also suggests the potential for increased total sleep time and a reduction in the number of nocturnal awakenings.

Measured Sleep Outcome Comparison to Placebo
Sleep Latency (time to fall asleep) Decreased
Total Sleep Time Increased
Nocturnal Awakenings Reduced

Sleep Architecture and Duration

Controlled studies generally indicate that zolpidem may help preserve the normal sleep architecture at standard doses, showing minimal or inconsistent changes to the percentage of time spent in the deeper Stage 3 and 4 sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The efficacy related to improved sleep parameters has been documented for short periods, typically up to four to five weeks, though some data points to maintenance of effect over longer durations in specific populations.

Safety and Long-Term Use

Clinical trials highlight that the overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events with zolpidem at recommended doses is often similar to that of placebo. The most commonly reported events include headache, dizziness, and daytime sleepiness. Long-term safety data is more limited. There is continued clinical discussion regarding the potential for tolerance, dependence, and the possibility of rebound insomnia following the discontinuation of the medication, which emphasizes the need for careful risk assessment, particularly with extended use.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about СОМНОЛ (FAQ)


Q: Can I take СОМНОЛ if I have severe kidney problems (renal impairment)?

A: According to the official product information, severe renal impairment is listed as a contraindication for the use of СОМНОЛ. Regulatory information addresses varying degrees of impairment, but generally, the severe condition is listed as a contraindication because of how the body eliminates the drug.


Q: Is СОМНОЛ safe for children under 18?

A: Regulatory documents state that СОМНОЛ is not approved for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Studies on safety and effectiveness have only been conducted in adults, meaning there is insufficient data to recommend it for younger age groups.


Q: What should I do if I forget to take my dose of СОМНОЛ?

A: Official instructions advise that if a dose is forgotten, it should generally not be taken later. The product information specifies that the drug should only be taken if an uninterrupted sleep of 7 to 8 hours is still possible; otherwise, taking the dose may increase the risk of residual effects the next day.


Q: Is there a risk of developing dependence on СОМНОЛ?

A: Official safety information indicates that there is a risk of developing both physical and psychological dependence with СОМНОЛ. The risk increases with the duration of treatment, the dose, and in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. For this reason, official product information limits the recommended duration of treatment to short-term use.


Q: Can I drive or operate machinery after taking СОМНОЛ?

A: Official product information contains a warning against driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities requiring full mental alertness after taking СОМНОЛ. The medication can cause sedation, drowsiness, and slowed reaction times, effects which may persist into the next day and severely impair these abilities.


Q: How long is the recommended treatment period with СОМНОЛ?

A: Regulatory information specifies that treatment with СОМНОЛ should be as short as possible. The maximum recommended treatment duration is four weeks, including the period required for a gradual dose reduction. Long-term continuous use is not advised due to the potential for dependence and reduced effectiveness over time.

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How should СОМНОЛ be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of СОМНОЛ

The following requirements detail the official storage, handling, and disposal instructions for СОМНОЛ, as documented in regulatory information.

Official Storage and Handling

Storage Component Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C.
Environment Protect from excessive heat and moisture. Do not freeze the product.
Protection Keep the product in the original, tightly closed container.
Child Safety Store out of the reach of children to prevent accidental access.

Disposal Instructions

Official disposal protocols require that expired or unused СОМНОЛ not be placed in household trash or poured down a drain. Patients must utilize an authorized drug take-back program or follow governmental non-flush disposal guidelines. This ensures proper environmental control and safety.

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

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