Sonata Dosing

For young and middle-age adults who are first starting treatment with Sonata, dosing recommendations typically start at 10 mg before bedtime. This dosage may be increased up to 20 mg if needed. It is generally recommended that elderly adults start with a lower dose of 5 mg (but this can be increased to 10 mg if needed).

Sonata Dosing: An Overview

The dose of Sonata® (zaleplon) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your Sonata dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Sonata Dosing for Insomnia

The recommended dosing for Sonata varies with age and other considerations:
 
  • Young and middle-age adults. The recommended starting dose is Sonata 10 mg right before bedtime. For people who do not weigh very much, a lower starting dose of Sonata 5 mg may be enough. If needed, the Sonata dosage may be increased to Sonata 20 mg right before bedtime.
     
  • Elderly adults. The recommended starting dose is Sonata 5 mg right before bedtime. The maximum dose for elderly people is Sonata 10 mg right before bedtime.
     
  • Those with liver problems. For people with mild or moderate liver problems, the recommended dose is Sonata 5 mg. Sonata is not recommended for people with severe liver problems, including liver failure or severe cirrhosis.
     
  • Those taking cimetidine (Tagamet®). People taking cimetidine should be started on a lower dose (Sonata 5 mg), because taking these two medications can increase the level of Sonata in the blood.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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