Choose an inflammatory or infectious process and explain the pathophysiology changes that may occur. What patient education would need to be included related to this disorder? Make sure that you select a different me
Zolpidem (Ambien)
Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine receptor modulator that is approved to be used as a short-term treatment for insomnia (Bouchette et al., 2022). It is a listed medication in the American Geriatrics Society 2019 Updated Criteria for Potentially Inappropriately Medication Use in Older Adults because the elderly can have similar adverse effects as with benzodiazepines, such as delirium, falls, and increased need for hospitalization. In my experience, we gave this medication cautiously to the elderly in the hospital. This was not a first-line of sleep-aids due to the possible adverse effects. I do remember some of our patients “sleepwalking” or becoming delirious after taking this, and then having no recollection of their activities in the morning. Luckily we were there to monitor and intervene, but it could lead to harm if they were left unattended.
Absorption
Zolpidem is rapidly absorbed by the digestive tract and has a short half-life in healthy patients (Bouchette et al., 2022). Elderly population have decreased motility. This population should only receive the lowest dose of 5 mg because their concentrations were higher in RCTs (Bouchette et al., 2022).
Metabolism
This medication is converted into an inactive metabolite. Hepatic impairment, especially in the elderly, will affect the metabolism and dosage of medication given (Bouchette et al., 2022).
Distribution
This drug has vast distribution throughout the body and crosses the blood-brain barrier. Other effects that zolpidem can have is restoring brain function in patients that are in a vegetative state after brain injury (Bouchette et al., 2022).
Excretion
Zolpidem is excreted by the kidneys (Bouchette et al., 2022). Clearance will be decreased in the elderly.
References
Bouchette, D., Akhondi, H., & Quick, J. (2022). Zolpidem. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442008/