Dual orexin receptor antagonist

Daridorexant

Brand names: Quviviq

Daridorexant is an orexin receptor antagonist licensed for the treatment of insomnia characterised by symptoms present for several months with substantial impact on daytime functioning.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It blocks orexin (hypocretin) OX1 and OX2 receptors, reducing the wake-promoting orexin signal to facilitate sleep.

Prescribing in practice

It can impair next-day driving and alertness, and patients should be warned not to drive if they feel drowsy; effects are additive with alcohol and other CNS depressants.
Use is contraindicated in narcolepsy and caution is needed in patients with a history of substance misuse.
Dose adjustment or avoidance is required in significant hepatic impairment and with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Monitoring

Monitor treatment response, daytime sleepiness and the continued need for therapy rather than by laboratory tests.

Counselling the patient

Take it shortly before bed when you can have a full night's sleep.
You may feel drowsy the next day; do not drive if affected.
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

Evidence & guidelines

Daridorexant's efficacy in insomnia is supported by randomised controlled trials, and NICE has appraised its use.

Reference: NICE TA922; NICE CKS Insomnia; DVLA; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways