Sedatives and Hypnotics · Pharmacology

Eszopiclone is distinct from Zaleplon and Zolpidem primarily because it:

  1. Is available only as an intravenous formulation for inpatient use
  2. Has a longer half-life, making it suitable for sleep maintenance
  3. Does not bind to the GABA-A receptor complex at all
  4. Is free of next-morning psychomotor impairment
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Correct answer: Has a longer half-life, making it suitable for sleep maintenance

While Zaleplon and Zolpidem are mostly used for sleep onset (falling asleep) due to very short half-lives, Eszopiclone has a longer duration of action. This makes it effective for patients who struggle with both falling asleep and staying asleep (sleep maintenance).

Difficulty: Medium Question 20 of 20

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