Generic
Melatonin
5 brands available in the market
At a glance
Melatonin is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of insomnia and jet lag. It is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates the circadian rhythm and helps induce sleep.
Description
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body's circadian rhythm. Darkness stimulates melatonin production while light suppresses its activity. Melatonin binds to its receptors to regulate neurotransmitter levels that induce and sustain sleep.
Indications
- Insomnia
- Jet lag
- Disrupted circadian rhythms
- Osteoporosis
- Sleep disturbances in menopause
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disturbances in ADHD
Therapeutic class
Hormone Preparations for Other Uses, Oral Nutritional Preparations
Pharmacological class
Circadian Rhythm Regulator
Pharmacology
Melatonin binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors to regulate neurotransmitter levels, inducing and sustaining sleep and maintaining the body's circadian rhythm.
Mechanism of action
Regulates the circadian rhythm and helps induce sleep.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Insomnia: 3-6 mg, 1 hour before bedtime
- Jet lag: 0.5-5 mg, 1 hour before bedtime; for eastbound/westbound travel, 4 days
- Sarcoidosis: 20 mg/day for 4-12 months
Children (6 months-14 years): Sleep disorders: 0.30 mg/day
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take on an empty stomach (2 hours before or after food)
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Depression
Precautions & warnings
- Caution when driving or doing activities requiring concentration (may cause drowsiness and dizziness)
- Do not use in autoimmune diseases
- May increase seizure frequency in epilepsy
- Smoking reduces melatonin effectiveness
- Avoid alcohol
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Autoimmune diseases
Drug interactions
- Antidepressants (desipramine, fluoxetine) reduce melatonin effects
- Benzodiazepines improve sleep quality
- May reduce effectiveness of blood pressure medications
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen) reduce melatonin levels
- Avoid with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Melatonin is unsafe (alcohol diminishes melatonin levels).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: No information available on use during pregnancy; consult your doctor.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Melatonin is probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dose established (6 months-14 years); limited safety and efficacy data.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information available; caution is advised.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
No significant toxicity at high doses; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Melatonin