Zolpidem 10 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H1)
Common uses: Short-term treatment of insomnia – difficulty falling asleep; Short-term insomnia that is severe, disabling or causing great distress.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.69 to ₹9.09 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zolpidem Tablets IP 10mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹16.88 | ₹1.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dactive 10 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹28.13 | ₹2.81 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zleep 10 | Wockhardt Ltd | 10 | ₹42.50 | ₹4.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ambiz 10 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹58.48 | ₹5.85 | 19 October 2026 |
| Inzofresh 10 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹63.48 | ₹6.35 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sove 10 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹79.69 | ₹7.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zolpid 10 | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 | ₹89.35 | ₹8.93 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zolfresh 10 | Abbott | 15 | ₹136.35 | ₹9.09 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nitrest 10 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹90.89 | ₹9.09 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Short-term treatment of insomnia – difficulty falling asleep.
- Short-term insomnia that is severe, disabling or causing great distress.
- Sleep disruption during jet lag or shift changes, when a doctor decides it is needed.
How to take it
Take one 10 mg tablet just before going to bed, only on nights when you can get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep. It works within about 30 minutes. Swallow it whole with water, with or without food. Your doctor may advise using it only 2 or 3 nights a week. Older people (65 and over) and those with liver or kidney problems usually start with 5 mg. Zolpidem is for short courses – usually a few days to a maximum of 4 weeks – because the body gets used to it and it can become habit-forming. Do not drive or do anything needing alertness the next morning if you feel drowsy. If sleep problems continue after the course, see your doctor rather than taking more tablets.
Side effects
Common
- Drowsiness or a 'hangover' feeling the next morning.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Dry mouth or bitter/metallic taste.
- Nausea or diarrhoea.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Memory loss, hallucinations or doing things while asleep (sleep-walking, sleep-driving) – stop and see a doctor.
- Falls, especially in older people.
- Low mood or thoughts of harming yourself.
- Serious allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol. Together they cause deep sedation, breathing problems and strange sleep behaviours.
Pregnancy
Not recommended in pregnancy, especially late pregnancy, or while breastfeeding; tell your doctor.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor; a lower starting dose (5 mg) is usual in kidney disease.
Liver problems
A lower dose is used in liver disease and it is avoided in severe liver impairment.
Children
Not for use in children or teenagers.
Missed dose
Simply skip it and take the next dose at bedtime the following night. Never take a second dose during the same night.
Interactions
- Alcohol, opioid painkillers (tramadol, codeine, morphine) and other sleeping pills or anxiety medicines (alprazolam, clonazepam) – dangerous drowsiness and slowed breathing.
- Antidepressants, antipsychotics and epilepsy medicines – added sedation.
- Sedating antihistamines (chlorpheniramine, promethazine, cetirizine) – more drowsiness.
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole, ciprofloxacin and ritonavir – raise zolpidem levels.
- Rifampicin – lowers its effect.
Frequently asked questions
What is Zolfresh 10 used for?
Zolfresh 10 is zolpidem 10 mg, a sleeping tablet for short-term insomnia. It helps you fall asleep faster and is meant for short courses of up to 4 weeks, not for nightly long-term use.
Zolfresh 5 vs Zolfresh 10 – which should I take?
10 mg is the usual adult dose. 5 mg is the starting dose for people over 65, those with liver or kidney problems, and anyone who gets morning drowsiness. Your doctor decides; never take more than prescribed.
Is Zolfresh habit-forming?
Yes, it can be. The body gets used to zolpidem within weeks, and stopping after regular use can cause rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms. That is why it is limited to short courses and is a Schedule H1 drug in India.
Can I take Zolfresh 10 with alcohol?
No. Alcohol with zolpidem can cause dangerous sedation, breathing problems and sleep-walking or doing things you do not remember.
How long does Nitrest 10 take to work and how long does it last?
It starts working in about 30 minutes, so take it right before lying down, and it helps you sleep for the night. Only take it when you can stay in bed for 7 to 8 hours, or you may feel drowsy the next morning.
Can I take Zolfresh 10 every night?
Not for long. Doctors usually limit it to 2 to 4 weeks, and may advise taking it only 2 or 3 nights a week. If insomnia continues, the cause needs attention – sleep hygiene, stress, pain or depression – rather than more tablets.
Is Zolfresh available without prescription?
No. Zolpidem is a Schedule H1 medicine in India – it needs a prescription, and the chemist must record the sale in a register.
Can I drive the morning after taking Zolfresh?
Only if you slept a full 7 to 8 hours and feel fully alert. Zolpidem can impair driving the next day, especially after a shorter sleep or at higher doses.
What happens if I stop Zolfresh suddenly?
After short courses most people can stop without trouble. After longer regular use, stopping suddenly can cause rebound insomnia, anxiety and restlessness – your doctor may taper the dose.
Sources
- NHS – Zolpidem (19 October 2026)
- NHS – How and when to take zolpidem (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Side effects of zolpidem (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms