Buccal
aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvents have now been developed which provide
zolpidem for rapid absorption through the
oral mucosa, resulting in
fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar
solvent,
zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar
solvent,
zolpidem, optionally flavoring agent, and
propellant; formulation III: non-polar
solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation IV: non-polar solvent, zolpidem, optional flavoring agent, and
propellant; formulation V: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation VI: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, zolpidem, optional flavoring agent, and
propellant.