What is the maximum number of refills allowed for a prescription of zolpidem?

Zolpidem is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. According to federal regulations, prescriptions for Schedule IV medications can have a maximum of five refills within a six-month period from the date the prescription was written. This regulation aims to ensure careful monitoring of the usage of medications that have the potential for abuse and dependence.

In the case of zolpidem, if a patient needs ongoing treatment, the prescriber would typically evaluate the patient at regular intervals to determine if continued use is appropriate, hence the limitation on the number of refills. Therefore, the answer indicating five refills aligns with federal regulations for prescriptions of this type.