Drug interactions
Istradefylline + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Istradefylline and Zolpidem: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
At higher doses, istradefylline inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase exposure to CYP3A4 substrates such as zolpidem. This may enhance sedation and impair next-day alertness. The effect is mainly relevant at the 40 mg/day dose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Istradefylline and Zolpidem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Istradefylline belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Istradefylline inhibits CYP3A4, reducing the metabolic clearance of zolpidem.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and consider a lower zolpidem dose when istradefylline 40 mg/day is used. Counsel the patient about driving and morning impairment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Zolpidem
Other interactions of Istradefylline
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Istradefylline with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Istradefylline and Zolpidem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. At higher doses, istradefylline inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase exposure to CYP3A4 substrates such as zolpidem. This may enhance sedation and impair next-day alertness. The effect is mainly relevant at the 40 mg/day dose.
How serious is the interaction between Istradefylline and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for oversedation and consider a lower zolpidem dose when istradefylline 40 mg/day is used. Counsel the patient about driving and morning impairment.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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