Drug interactions
Midazolam intranasal + Zaleplon
Severity: Major
Midazolam intranasal and Zaleplon: major 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
Intranasal midazolam is a potent sedative, and zaleplon adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects. This can cause prolonged sedation, hypoventilation and airway compromise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Midazolam intranasal and Zaleplon can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-A receptor modulation.
What to do
Avoid giving zaleplon close to midazolam when possible; if combined, use reduced midazolam dosing and monitor respiration and oxygen saturation closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Midazolam intranasal and Zaleplon, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Midazolam intranasal with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Midazolam intranasal and Zaleplon can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Intranasal midazolam is a potent sedative, and zaleplon adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects. This can cause prolonged sedation, hypoventilation and airway compromise.
How serious is the interaction between Midazolam intranasal and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid giving zaleplon close to midazolam when possible; if combined, use reduced midazolam dosing and monitor respiration and oxygen saturation closely.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
