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Drugs A–Z

Daridorexant

Daridorexant is a prescription medicine (Orexin Receptor Antagonist). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Quviviq
Drug class
Orexin Receptor Antagonist
Taken
Oral
Label
Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, revised February 26, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
No · details

What it is used for

QUVIVIQ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . QUVIVIQ is an orexin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of adult patients with insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. ( 1 )

Forms and strengths

QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) tablets are available as: 25 mg: light purple, arc-triangle shaped, film-coated tablet debossed with "25" on one side and "i" (Idorsia logo) on the other side, containing 25 mg daridorexant. 50 mg: light orange, arc-triangle shaped, film-coated tablet debossed with "50" on one side and "i" (Idorsia logo) on the other side, containing 50 mg daridorexant. Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg. ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

QUVIVIQ is contraindicated: in patients with narcolepsy. in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to daridorexant or any components of QUVIVIQ. Angioedema with pharyngeal involvement has been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Narcolepsy. ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to daridorexant or other components of QUVIVIQ. ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

CNS-Depressant Effects and Daytime Impairment: Impairs alertness and motor coordination including morning impairment. Risk increases when used with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. For patients taking QUVIVIQ, caution against next-day driving and other activities requiring complete mental alertness. ( 5.1 ) Worsening of Depression/Suicidal Ideation: Worsening of depression or suicidal thinking may occur. ( 5.2 ) Sleep Paralysis, Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations, and Cataplexy-like Symptoms: May occur with use of QUVIVIQ. ( 5.3 ) Complex Sleep Behaviors: Behaviors including sleepwalking, sleep driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake may occur. Discontinue immediately if complex sleep behavior occurs. ( 5.4 ) Compromised Respiratory Function: Effect on respiratory function should be considered. ( 5.5 , 8.7 ) Need to Evaluate for Co-morbid Diagnoses: Reevaluate if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 CNS-Depressant Effects and Daytime Impairment QUVIVIQ is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can impair daytime wakefulness even when used as prescribed. CNS-depressant effects may persist in some patients for up to several days after discontinuing QUVIVIQ. Prescribers should advise patients about the potential for next-day somnolence. Driving ability was impaired in some subjects taking QUVIVIQ 50 mg [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The risk of daytime impairment is increased if QUVIVIQ is taken with less than a full night of sleep remaining or if a higher than recommended dose is taken [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . If QUVIVIQ is taken in these circumstances, caution patients against driving and other activities requiring complete mental alertness. Co-administration with other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol) increases the risk of CNS depression, which can cause daytime impairment. Dosage adjustments of QUVIVIQ and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive effects. The use of QUVIVIQ with other drugs to treat insomnia is not recommended . Advise patients not to consume alcohol in combination with QUVIVIQ because co-administration of QUVIVIQ with alcohol resulted in additive effects on psychomotor performance [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Because QUVIVIQ can cause drowsiness, patients, particularly the elderly, are at a higher risk of falls.

5.2 Worsening of Depression/Suicidal Ideation Patients with psychiatric disorders, including insomnia, are at increased risk of suicide. In primarily depressed patients treated with hypnotics, worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts and actions (including completed suicides) have been reported. As with other hypnotics, QUVIVIQ should be administered with caution in patients exhibiting symptoms of depression. Monitoring of suicide risk and protective measures may be required.

5.3 Sleep Paralysis, Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations, and Cataplexy-like Symptoms Sleep paralysis, an inability to move or speak for up to several minutes during sleep-wake transitions, and hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations, including vivid and disturbing perceptions, can occur with the use of QUVIVIQ [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Prescribers should explain the nature of these events to patients when prescribing QUVIVIQ. Symptoms similar to mild cataplexy have been reported with orexin receptor antagonists. Such symptoms can include periods of leg weakness lasting from seconds to a few minutes, can occur either at night or during the day, and may not be associated with an identified triggering event (e.g., laughter or surprise).

5.4 Complex Sleep Behaviors Complex sleep behaviors, including sleepwalking, sleep driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake (e.g., preparing and eating food, making phone calls, having sex), have been reported to occur with the use of hypnotics, including orexin receptor antagonists such as QUVIVIQ. These events can occur in hypnotic-naïve as well as in hypnotic-experienced persons. Patients usually do not remember these events. Complex sleep behaviors may occur following the first or any subsequent use of hypnotics, such as QUVIVIQ, with or without the concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressants [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Discontinue QUVIVIQ immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior.

5.5 Patients with Compromised Respiratory Function QUVIVIQ has been studied in mild to severe OSA not using CPAP, and in patients with moderate COPD. The effects of QUVIVIQ on respiratory function should be considered if prescribed to patients with compromised respiratory function. QUVIVIQ has not been studied in patients with mild or severe COPD [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ].

5.6 Need to Evaluate for Co-morbid Diagnoses Because sleep disturbances may be the presenting manifestation of a medical and/or psychiatric disorder, treatment of insomnia should be initiated only after careful evaluation of the patient. The failure of insomnia to remit after 7 to 10 days of treatment may indicate the presence of a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that should be evaluated. Worsening of insomnia or the emergence of new cognitive or behavioral abnormalities may be the result of an unrecognized underlying psychiatric or medical disorder and can emerge during the course of treatment with sleep-promoting drugs such as QUVIVIQ.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following are discussed in detail in other sections of the labeling: CNS-Depressant Effects and Daytime Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Worsening of Depression/Suicidal Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Sleep Paralysis, Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations, and Cataplexy-like Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Complex Sleep Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Patients with Compromised Respiratory Function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 5% of patients treated with QUVIVIQ and at an incidence ≥ than placebo) were headache and somnolence or fatigue. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd at toll-free phone 1-833-400-9611 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of QUVIVIQ was evaluated in three placebo-controlled clinical studies (two 3-month studies of identical design [Study 1 and Study 2], and a 9-month extension study [Study 3]). Study 1 evaluated 50 mg and 25 mg doses of QUVIVIQ, while Study 2 evaluated a 25 mg dose and a 10 mg dose of QUVIVIQ. The 10 mg dose is not an approved dose. A total of 1232 patients (including approximately 40% elderly patients [≥ 65 years old]), received QUVIVIQ 50 mg (N = 308); 25 mg (N = 618); or 10 mg (an unapproved dose) (N = 306). A total of 576 patients were treated with QUVIVIQ for at least 6 months and 331 for at least 12 months. Most Common Adverse Reactions The most common reported adverse reaction (in at least 5% of patients and greater than placebo) during double-blind treatment in Study 1 was headache. Table 1 shows adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with QUVIVIQ and more frequently than in patients who received placebo in Study 1. Table 1 Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of QUVIVIQ-treated Patients and Greater than in Placebo-treated Patients in a 3-Month Placebo-Controlled Study (Study 1) QUVIVIQ QUVIVIQ Placebo 25 mg 50 mg (N=310) (N=308) (N=309) % % % Nervous System Disorders Headache The following terms were combined: Headache includes: headache, tension headache, migraine, migraine with aura, head discomfort Somnolence or fatigue includes: somnolence, sedation, fatigue, hypersomnia, lethargy Dizziness includes: dizziness, vertigo, labyrinthitis Nausea includes: nausea, vomiting, procedural nausea 6 7 5 Somnolence or fatigue 6 5 4 Dizziness 2 3 2 Gastro-intestinal disorders Nausea 0 3 2 Other Adverse Reactions Observed During Clinical Trials (Study 1 and Study 2) Other adverse reactions of < 2% frequency but greater than placebo are shown below. The following do not include adverse reactions 1) for which a drug cause was remote, 2) that were so general as to be uninformative, or 3) that were not considered to have clinically significant implications. Sleep paralysis was reported in 0.5% and 0.3% of patients receiving QUVIVIQ 25 mg and 50 mg, respectively, compared to no reports for placebo. Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations were reported in 0.6% of patients receiving QUVIVIQ 25 mg compared to no cases with QUVIVIQ 50 mg or placebo.

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of QUVIVIQ. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Psychiatric disorders : Nightmares or abnormal dreams Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity (including angioedema, rash, urticaria)

Drug interactions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use. ( 2.2 , 7.1 ) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Maximum recommended dose is 25 mg. ( 2.2 , 7.1 ) Moderate or Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.1 )

7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on QUVIVIQ Table 2 describes clinically significant drug interactions where the concomitant use of other drugs affects QUVIVIQ. Table 2 Effects of Other Drugs on QUVIVIQ Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Implications: Concomitant use with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor increases exposure to daridorexant [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may increase the risk of QUVIVIQ adverse reactions. Prevention or Management: The recommended dose of QUVIVIQ is 25 mg when used with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Concomitant use of QUVIVIQ with a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Implications: Concomitant use with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducer decreases exposure to daridorexant [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce the efficacy of QUVIVIQ. Prevention or Management: Concomitant use of QUVIVIQ with a strong or moderate inducer of CYP3A4 is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Alcohol and Other CNS Depressants Clinical Implications: Concomitant use of alcohol or other CNS depressants with QUVIVIQ may lead to additive impairment of psychomotor performance and risk of CNS depression [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Prevention or Management: Avoid alcohol consumption with QUVIVIQ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Use with caution in patients receiving CNS depressants. Consider dose adjustment of QUVIVIQ and/or the CNS depressant(s) if used concomitantly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .

7.2 Effects of QUVIVIQ on Other Drugs Table 3 describes clinically significant drug interactions where the concomitant use of QUVIVIQ affects other drugs. Table 3 Effects of QUVIVIQ on Other Drugs CYP3A4 Substrates Clinical Implications: Concomitant use of QUVIVIQ with CYP3A4 substrates increases the exposure to CYP3A4 substrate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Prevention or Management: Use with caution in patients receiving CYP3A4 substrates with narrow therapeutic index. P-gp Substrates Clinical Implications: Concomitant use of QUVIVIQ with P-gp substrates increases the exposure to P-gp substrate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Prevention or Management: Use with caution in patients receiving P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic index.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There will be a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to QUVIVIQ during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to QUVIVIQ and healthcare providers are encouraged to call Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd at 1-833-400-9611. Risk Summary There are no available data on QUVIVIQ use in pregnant women to evaluate for drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of daridorexant to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis did not cause fetal toxicity or malformation at doses up to 8 and 10 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 50 mg, respectively, based on AUC. Oral administration of daridorexant to pregnant and lactating rats did not cause any maternal or developmental toxicity at doses up to 9 times the MRHD, based on AUC (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Daridorexant was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 1, 3, and 8 times the MRHD of 50 mg, respectively, based on AUC. Daridorexant did not cause any maternal or embryofetal toxicities or fetal malformation at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for maternal and fetal toxicity is 300 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 8 times the MRHD of 50 mg, based on AUC. Daridorexant was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 3, 4, and 10 times the MRHD of 50 mg, respectively, based on AUC. Daridorexant did not cause any fetal toxicity or malformation at doses up to 120 mg/kg/day. Daridorexant caused maternal toxicities of decreased weight gain and food consumption at the dose of 120 mg/kg/day. The NOAELs for maternal and fetal toxicity are 60 and 120 mg/kg/day, respectively, which are approximately 4 and 10 times the MRHD of 50 mg, respectively, based on AUC. Daridorexant was administered orally to pregnant rats during gestation and lactation at doses of 50, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 1, 3, and 9 times the MRHD of 50 mg, respectively, based on AUC. Daridorexant did not cause any maternal or developmental toxicities at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for maternal and developmental toxicity is 300 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 9 times the MRHD of 50 mg, based on AUC.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Daridorexant is present in human breast milk in low amounts. In a clinical lactation study, daridorexant was detected in human milk at a mean daily infant dose of 0.0016 mg/kg, with a relative infant dose of <1% the maternal weight-adjusted dose (see Data ). There are no data on the effects of daridorexant on the breastfed infant or its effects on milk production. Infants exposed to QUVIVIQ through breastmilk should be monitored for excessive sedation. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for QUVIVIQ and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from QUVIVIQ or from the underlying maternal condition. Data A lactation study in 10 healthy adult lactating women evaluated the concentrations of daridorexant in plasma and breast milk following a single dose of 50 mg daridorexant. The calculated mean daily infant dose is 0.0016 mg/kg based on an assumed infant body weight of 6 kg, and the relative infant dose is 0.22% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. Approximately 87% of the total amount of daridorexant present in milk was detected by 24 hours after administration. The amount of daridorexant present in breast milk at steady state is expected to be similar to that after a single dose.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of QUVIVIQ have not been established in pediatric patients.

8.5 Geriatric Use No dose adjustment is required in patients over the age of 65 years. Of the total number of subjects in the clinical studies of QUVIVIQ with insomnia (N = 1854), approximately 39% (N = 727) were ≥ 65 years and 5.9% (N = 110) were ≥ 75 years. The likelihood of somnolence and fatigue increased with patient age. Because QUVIVIQ can increase somnolence and drowsiness, patients, particularly the elderly, are at higher risk of falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .

8.6 Hepatic Impairment QUVIVIQ has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥ 10). Use in this population is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Reduce the dose of QUVIVIQ in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7–9) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Moderate hepatic impairment may increase daridorexant systemic exposure to a clinically relevant extent [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may increase the frequency or severity of adverse reactions.

8.7 Patients with Compromised Respiratory Function Obstructive Sleep Apnea The respiratory depressant effect of QUVIVIQ was evaluated after one night and after five consecutive nights of treatment with QUVIVIQ 50 mg in a randomized, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study in 25 patients with mild to moderate OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 5 to 30 events per hour of sleep) not using CPAP. Following once-daily dosing of 50 mg in the evening, the mean treatment difference (daridorexant – placebo) on Day 5 for AHI was 0.74 (90% CI, -1.43 to 2.92). QUVIVIQ was also evaluated after 5 consecutive nights of treatment with QUVIVIQ 50 mg in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, two-period crossover study in 16 patients with severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 30 events per hour of sleep; studied range 30.8–82.2 events per hour) not using CPAP. Following once daily dosing of 50 mg in the evening, the mean treatment difference (daridorexant – placebo) on Day 5 for AHI was -3.74 (90% CI, -11.71 to 4.23). Due to study limitations, including the short duration of the studies, clinically meaningful respiratory effects of QUVIVIQ in OSA cannot be excluded, including for long-term treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease The respiratory depressant effect of QUVIVIQ was evaluated after one night and after five consecutive nights of treatment with QUVIVIQ 50 mg in a randomized, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study in 25 patients with moderate COPD (FEV 1 /FVC ratio ≤ 70% and 40% ≤ FEV 1 < 80% of predicted). Following once-daily dosing of 50 mg in the evening, the mean SpO 2 treatment difference (daridorexant – placebo) on Day 5 was 0.18% (90% CI, -0.21 to 0.57). QUVIVIQ has not been studied in patients with mild (FEV 1 ≥ 80% predicted) or severe COPD (FEV 1 < 40% of predicted). Clinically meaningful respiratory effects of QUVIVIQ in patients with compromised respiratory function cannot be excluded [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] .

How it works

The mechanism of action of daridorexant in the treatment of insomnia is presumed to be through antagonism of orexin receptors. The orexin neuropeptide signaling system plays a role in wakefulness. Blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B to receptors OX1R and OX2R is thought to suppress wake drive.

Is there a generic Daridorexant?

No. The FDA has not approved a generic version yet.

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Daridorexant in the news

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 3a2d1503-b816-40c9-9fac-7e03c5a3bcef.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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