NCIt definition : A nonbenzodiazepine, cyclopyrrolone and active stereoisomer of zopiclone with hypnotic
and sedative activity and without significant anxiolytic activity. Although the exact
mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated, eszopiclone is able to bind to
and activate the omega-1 subtype of the alpha subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid-benzodiazepine
GABA receptor complex (GABA-A), a chloride ionophore complex in the central nervous
system (CNS). This leads to the opening of chloride channels, causing hyperpolarization,
inhibition of neuronal firing, and enhancement of the inhibitory effect of GABA. This
eventually leads to a hypnotic effect and allows for an induction of sleep.;