Stilnox®/Ambien®/Myslee® (zolpidem)

Stilnox® is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic indicated for short-term treatment of insomnia.

Stilnox® is quick to act and produces a quality of sleep that is close to natural sleep without the side effects which generally characterize hypnotics. Its effects persist for a minimum of six hours and it is usually well-tolerated. In addition, the risk of dependency is low when the recommended doses and treatment times are followed.

Today, Stilnox® is the only hypnotic to have demonstrated its efficacy when used “as needed” through a program of eight studies involving 6,000 patients. The major advantage of this mode of administration is that patients suffering occasional insomnia can avoid taking a hypnotic on a regular basis.

Since its launch in 1988, Stilnox® has been investigated in 160 studies involving 80,000 patients to demonstrate its efficacy and tolerance. It has been better studied than any other hypnotic in the world and the experience and feedback provided by 14 billion nights of treatment is exceptional.

A better quality of sleep

In order to improve sleep continuity without increasing residual effects upon wakening, sanofi-aventis has developed a modified-release formulation for zolpidem. The two main studies of zolpidem MR have demonstrated the compound’s sleep continuity properties during the second part of the night, thus ensuring excellent sleep quality throughout the night. These results have been the basis for launching the drug in the United States in September 2005 under the brand name of Ambien CR™. A clinical development program has also been initiated in Japan and results are expected in 2008.

Main markets Stilnox® is now sold in over 100 countries. Stilnox® is the market leader in France, in the United States where it is marketed as Ambien®, and in Japan, where it is sold under the brand name Myslee®*.