daridorexant hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Dual orexin receptor antagonist
Licensed use
Persistent insomnia in adults with considerable daytime impact
Food
May be taken with or without food, but a large meal can delay its effect
Driving
Do not drive or operate machinery unless fully alert
What is daridorexant hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for:
Treating insomnia in adults when symptoms have been present for at least 3 months and considerably affect daytime functioning.
How does daridorexant hydrochloride work?
Orexin is a brain signalling system that promotes wakefulness. Daridorexant blocks orexin-1 and orexin-2 receptors, reducing the drive to remain awake without intentionally changing the balance of sleep stages.
daridorexant hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg
How to take daridorexant hydrochloride
Swallow the film-coated tablet by mouth exactly as prescribed. It can be taken with or without food, although a large meal may delay its effect.
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice in the evening.
Do not drink alcohol because impairment of balance, coordination and alertness may increase.
Only drive or use machinery when fully alert.
daridorexant hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Seek urgent help for thoughts of harming yourself or a marked worsening of depression.
- Call 999 for throat or tongue swelling or difficulty breathing.
daridorexant hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are unavailable. It should be considered during pregnancy only when the prescriber judges that the clinical need warrants it. Discuss pregnancy or plans for pregnancy with the prescriber.
daridorexant hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Only a small amount has been measured in breast milk, but excessive sleepiness in the infant cannot be excluded. The prescriber and parent should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the need for treatment.
daridorexant hydrochloride interactions
A medication review is important before starting daridorexant.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including itraconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir
They can substantially increase daridorexant exposure and must not be used with it.
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem and ciclosporin
They increase daridorexant exposure, so the prescription requires clinical review.
Moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin and efavirenz
They can lower daridorexant exposure and reduce its effect.
Common questions about daridorexant hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of insomnia is daridorexant hydrochloride licensed to treat?
Insomnia in adults that has lasted at least 3 months and considerably affects daytime functioning.
Can it make me sleepy the next morning?
Yes. Sleepiness, dizziness and tiredness are recognised effects. Do not undertake hazardous activities unless fully alert.
Can I drive?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.