HPLC-MS-MS Methods For The Detection Of Zopiclone And Its Alkaline Hydrolysis Product, 2-Amino-5-chloropyridine (ACP), In Post-mortem Blood: 71

Zopiclone (ZimovaneTM) is a cyclopyrrolone hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It also possesses anxiolytic, sedative, anti-convulsant and muscle-relaxant properties. Despite sharing the pharmacological actions of benzodiazepines, zopiclone acts on different receptors. Zopiclone has an oral bioavailability of approximately 80%, and is absorbed rapidly, producing peak blood concentrations within 1.5 to 2 hours. It is extensively metabolised in the liver to zopiclone-N-oxide (active) and N-desmethylzopiclone (inactive). The elimination half-life is approximately 5 hours and no accumulation has been seen after repeated dosing.