Ambien is also known as Zolpidem in the pharmaceutical name. It is a prescription drug in the class of sedative, anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs. The drug was developed in 1988 in France by French pharmaceutical corporation Sanofi-Aventis who have highly contributed to bringing the drug to the market. In 1993, the drug was introduced to the market. Ambien is administered orally in pills of different strengths: white tablets of 10 mg, pink tablets which are control released of 6.25 mg and pink capsules of 5 mg. 10 mg Ambien has a size of 10mm, capsule shaped and its imprint is AMB 10 5421while 5 mg has a size of 10mm and its imprint is AMB 5 5401. Both 5mg and 10mg contain hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, lactose, titanium dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose as the inactive ingredients. Besides, 5 mg Ambien has polysorbate 80 and FD&C Red No. 40 as extra inactive ingredients.
Since 1993, the sale of Ambien has soared due to consumer advertising campaign that has been intensive for the past few years. Sanofi being among the leading companies in healthcare, it have improved target portfolio of its products and strengthened its position worldwide through associating with the emerging markets in countries that are focusing on giving quality treatment and care to the citizens. Sonafi has established other pharmaceutical companies in emerging countries other than only in BRIC countries which are Russia, Brazil, China, and India by starting local industries. For example, Sanofi is developing its presence in Africa particularly in Nigeria, Vietnamese and Indonesia in the Southern Asia. The strategy givesSanofi a competitive advantage to market and acquire a greater market share than other companies which produces anti-insomnia drugs. The plan also favors the pricing policy in relation to the local market and offers other benefits. The manufacturer has also been collaborating with public and private sectors.