Zolpidem
Summary
This summary information on persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity comes from Fass. The risk comes from the report from Goodpoint.
Persistence. Zolpidem is potentially persistent.
Bioaccumulation. Zolpidem has low potential for bioaccumulation.
Toxicity. Zolpidem has moderate chronic toxicity.
Risk. Zolpidem is poorly investigated, but existing data indicate low environmental risk.
Detailed information
Zolpidem is a benzodiazepine-like hypnotic. The benzodiazepine oxazepam has been shown to alter the behavior of fish which can give potential effects on the ecological balance. Further research is ongoing.
Fass environmental information
Fass environmental information for Stilnoct (zolpidem) from Sanofi AB (downloaded 2021-10-27).
Hazard
Persistence: "Ready biodegradability: Test showed 30 % degradation in 28 days. (OECD 301). Zolpidem fails to pass the criteria for ready and inherent biodegradability. The phrase: "Zolpidem is potentially persistent” is thus chosen."
Bioaccumulation: Log P = 1.2 at neutral pH (estimated)."
Toxicity: There are data for 3 trophic levels, most sensitive fish (Danio rerio) 33 d (mortality) = 253 microg/L.
Risk
PEC/PNEC is based on sales data in Sweden in year 2019. PEC/PNEC = 0.011 which gives the risk insignificant.
Report Goodpoint
Zolpidem is poorly investigated, but existing data indicate low environmental risk.
Pharmaceuticals residues in the aquatic environment in Region Stockholm
Zolpidem has been detected in treated wastewater in Region Stockholm.
References
- Fass.se för vårdpersonal.
- Goodpoint. Prioritering av läkemedel med miljörisk inom SLL. Stockholm: Goodpoint; 2016. Rapport LS 2016–0634.
- Provtagningar av läkemedelsrester i vatten, sediment och fisk för Region Stockholm.
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd. Fick J, Lindberg RH, Kaj L, Brorström-Lundén E. Results from the Swedish National Screening Programme 2010. Subreport 3, B 2014 Pharmaceuticals.
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd Fick J, Lindberg RH, Fång J, Magnér J, Kaj L, Brorström-Lundén E. Screening 2014. Analysis of pharmaceuticals and hormones in samples from WWTPs and receiving waters. Rapport C 135.
- Brodin T, Fick J, Jonsson M, Klaminder J. (2013) Dilute Concentrations of a Psychiatric Drug Alter Behavior of Fish from Natural Populations. Science 339(6121): 814-815.
Author: Health and Medical Care Administration, Region Stockholm