National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
Send to Printer
NCI Drug Dictionary

zolpidem tartrate
The tartrate salt of an imidazopyridine with non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine-receptor agonist and sedative-hypnotic activities. Zolpidem binds selectively to the alpha 1 subunit of the omega-1 (BZ1) receptor of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A ) receptor-chloride ionophore complex, thereby opening neuronal chloride channels, hyperpolarizing neuronal cell membranes, and inhibiting neuronal firing. In contrast, benzodiazepines non-selectively bind to and activate all omega receptor subtypes, exhibiting anticonvulsant and myorelaxant activities in addition to a sedative-hypnotic activity. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)

US brand name:Ambien
Abbreviation:ZPD

Previous:Zofran, Zoladex, zoledronic acid, Zolinza, Zoloft
Next:Zometa, zorubicin, zosuquidar trihydrochloride, Zovirax, Zovirax