Abstract: Objective To observe the influence of zaleplon on lidocaine - induced convulsion in mice. Methods The Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each) : normal saline (NS) group, zaleplon 2 mg·kg-1, 4 mg·kg-1 and 8 mg·kg-1 (Z2,Z4,Z8) groups. 70 mg·kg-1 lidocaine was administered intraperitoneally in each group 10 min after normal saline or different doses of zaleplon had been administered by gavage. The number of convulsive mice, incidence rate of convulsion, convulsion latency and convulsion level were observed. Results Compared with NS group, the incidence rate of convulsion declined evidently in Z8 group (P < 0.01); the convulsion latency extended in Z2, Z4, Z8 groups (P < 0.05、P < 0.01、P < 0.01); Zaleplon could reduce the convulsion level induced by lidocaine in mice (P < 0.01). Conclusion Zaleplon can partially antagonize lidoncaine - induced convulsion in mice.