With which group of people should the dose of zolpidem tartrate be halved?

Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative primarily used for the treatment of insomnia. When considering the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem, it is crucial to adjust the dosage for certain populations to ensure safety and effectiveness. Older adults often experience altered drug metabolism and pharmacodynamics due to physiological changes associated with aging, including decreased hepatic and renal function. These changes can lead to increased sensitivity to medications and a higher likelihood of adverse effects.

Halving the dose of zolpidem tartrate in older adults helps mitigate the risk of excessive sedation and potential cognitive impairment, which are concerns in this demographic. It also reduces the chance of falls and other complications commonly associated with sedative medications in the elderly.

In contrast, adolescents typically do not require such dose adjustments, as their metabolic processes are generally more similar to those of adults. Pregnant women might have altered pharmacokinetics as well, but dosing considerations often focus on the potential effects on the fetus rather than a straightforward dose adjustment. Patients with kidney disease may have specific considerations for certain medications, but zolpidem is primarily metabolized by the liver, and the dose does not require halving specifically for renal function alone. Therefore, the dose modification in older adults is the most justified in the context