Question

Which of the following is a non-benzodiazepine used as Hypnotic?

• A. Diazepam
• B. Zolpidem
• C. Lorazepam
• D. Alprazolam

Hint:

A hypnotic is a medicine that helps a person fall asleep. Many older sleep medicines belong to the benzodiazepine family.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: What are benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam) are a chemical class sharing a benzene ring fused to a 1,4-diazepine ring. They act on GABA_A receptors and are used as anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants.

Step 2: What does non-benzodiazepine mean?
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (Z-drugs) do not have the benzodiazepine chemical structure but still act at the same GABA_A receptor (specifically the α1 subunit). They have fewer side effects and are preferred for short-term insomnia.

Step 3: Identify Zolpidem.
Zolpidem is an imidazopyridine derivative. It is a non-benzodiazepine that selectively acts on α1-containing GABA_A receptors to produce sedation and sleep. It is widely used as a hypnotic.

Step 4: Eliminate the wrong options.
Diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam are all true benzodiazepines. They contain the classic benzodiazepine ring structure and therefore do not qualify as non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.

Step 5: Summary.
Among the choices, only Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic.

Answer: Option (2) — Zolpidem