Ramelteon
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Universal Activity Number: 407-000-10-056-H01-P
CEUs 0.1
Audience: Pharmacist
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 08/01/2010
Expiration date: 08/01/2013
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
CEUs 0.1
Audience: Pharmacist
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 08/01/2010
Expiration date: 08/01/2013
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
Article title:
Ramelteon Treatment of Insomnia
Insomnia is a commonly reported problem in patients that can lead to a decrease in quality of life and other problems. Understanding the different types of insomnia is crucial for choosing an effective treatment. Ramelteon is a novel agent for the treatment of insomnia. What is unique about ramelteon? The article reviews the pharmacology, efficacy, and important safety considerations. Pharmacists and technicians will gain an understanding of the uses of ramelteon and its role in insomnia management after reading the article.
Goal
To familiarize the reader with ramelteon, a selective M1 and M2 receptor agonist that is approved for the treatment of insomnia. This article provides an overview of ramelteon, including pharmacology, pharmacokinetics,
clinical trials, adverse events, contraindications, drug interactions, and dosing.
Objectives
Upon completion of this CE article, the reader will be able to:
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Classify different types of insomnia.
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Describe the pharmacology of ramelteon and how it differs from other agents used to manage insomnia.
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Compare clinical trials that have evaluated the use of ramelteon.
- Assess the safety and efficacy of ramelteon.
Abstract
Objective: To provide an overview of the use of ramelteon for the treatment of insomnia.
Data Sources: A literature review was conducted through PubMed using the terms ramelteon, insomnia, treatment, adverse events, elderly, and melatonin. Additionally, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. Data from 1982 to 2009 were gathered.
Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles in English that were identified from the data sources were evaluated.
Data Synthesis: Long-term clinical trials of ramelteon have demonstrated that it is effective and safe, causing minimal adverse effects and no potential for abuse. Additionally, discontinuation of ramelteon does not result in rebound insomnia, which makes it an ideal agent for the management of insomnia in the elderly
population.
Conclusions: Ramelteon offers a safe and effective new therapeutic option for patients experiencing transient or chronic insomnia.
J Pharm Technol 2010;26:203-12.