What is the half-life of triazolam, a short-acting hypnotic?

The half-life of triazolam is typically recognized to be in the range of 1-2 hours, which categorizes it as a short-acting benzodiazepine. This property makes triazolam effective for managing insomnia and anxiety in situations where a quick onset of action and rapid clearance from the body are desired.

When considering the pharmacokinetics of triazolam, its shorter half-life allows it to be effective in promoting sleep without significant residual effects the next day, which is a common concern with longer-acting sedatives. This profile is particularly advantageous for individuals who may need to avoid morning sedation or cognitive impairment.

The options indicating longer half-lives do not apply to triazolam, as they correspond to other benzodiazepines that are known for their longer durations of action, which are not suitable for the same clinical applications as triazolam.