Learning unit: Hypnosedatives


Impact of the learning unit:

Sedatives are drugs used to induce sedation and hypnotics for treatment of insomnia. The border
between hypnotics and sedatives is not completely sharp. Hypnosedatives are a heterogeneous group
of substances (involving e.g. clomethiazole, benzodiazepines or so called  Z-substances) with
various mechanisms of action. The knowledge of these substances is considered to be the basic
knowledge of each student of medicine.

Important terms


                benzodiazepines

                                midazolam


                „Z“ substances

                                zopiclone

                                zolpidem

                             zaleplon


              antidepressant drugs used for treatment of insomnia

                             trazodone

                             agomelatine

                             mirtazapine


              drugs affecting circadian rhythms

                             melatonin

                             ramelteon


              H[1] antihistamines (I. generation)

                             promethazine


              medicinal herbs as hypnosedatives


                dependency on hypnosedatives


Learning outcomes


Student can describe substances of the individual groups and mechanisms of their action.


Student knows indications of hypnosedatives.


Student knows requirements for an „ideal“ hypnotic drug.



Student knows risks of long-term use of hypnosedatives.



Recommended study materials:


Rang & Dale's Pharmacology, 8th edition, 2016

Chapter 44: Anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs, pp. 536-545; Chapter 47: Antidepressant drugs, pp.
570-588


Study materials of the course aVLFA0822c and aVLFA0822p


Exam questions

Special pharmacology: Hypnosedatives, anxiolytics

„Essential“ drugs: diazepam, midazolam