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Overview

Melatonin

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor not required

About Melatonin

Melatonin is primarily used to treat sleep disorders (insomnia) and circadian rhythm disturbances (ie, jet lag). This medicine is FDA approval only as an orphan drug and is prescribed for treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders in blind people with no light perception.

Melatonin is known to be a hormone naturally produced in the body. Melatonin helps the body maintain its sleep cycle, which is more commonly known as the biological clock. On average, humans work/stay awake for about 16 hours during the day and sleep for about 8 hours. This body cycle is regulated by Melatonin.

Melatonin supplements should be taken exactly as per the doctor’s directions. If you are taking Melatonin to help you with a sleep disorder, take it about half an hour before you go to sleep. This is primarily because it takes some time for the drug to become effective.

While the supplement may do wonders for some individuals, it may not function as effectively for others. In this case, it is best to seek the doctor’s advice. This medicine is also useful in the treatment of other health problems like cancer.

The most common side effects of Melatonin include frequent headache and an altered sleep pattern. Although very rare, an allergic reaction may occur resulting in hives, itching skin rashes and confusion, in which case a doctor should be consulted right away.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Melatonin

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Melatonin ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Melatonin ?

    • Pruritus

    • Nausea

    • Increased Potassium Level In Blood

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Melatonin

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Taking Melatonin with alcohol may cause sleepiness and the effects may become even stronger.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Melatonin is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The action of this medicine is initiated within 30 minutes after its administration.

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine will remain active for about 2 hours after its administration.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      Missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is recommended to skip your missed dose, if it is the time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact the doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Melatonin

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Melatonin as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication belongs to the class of tryptophan. It works on adenylate cyclase and the blocking of a cAMP signal transduction pathway, after binding to melatonin receptor type 1A. This drug triggers phospholipase C.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Somnologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Melatonin ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Medicine

        This medication interacts with Teriflunomide, Fluvoxamine, Warfarin, Ifosfamide.
      • Interaction with Disease

        This medication interacts with Liver Disease, glaucoma and depression.

      FAQs about Melatonin

      • Ques : What is Melatonin?

        Ans : Melatonin is a medication that has Melatonin as an active hormone present in it. This medicine performs its action by controlling daily sleep cycles. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland of the body. Melatonin is used to treat conditions of Insomnia. It also boosts natural sleep and helps to cure sleep disorders.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Melatonin?

        Ans : Melatonin is used for the treatment and prevention of conditions and symptoms of Insomnia. Besides these, it is a natural sleep hormone and helps to cure sleep disorders. The patient should inform the doctor about any ongoing medications and treatment before using Melatonin to avoid undesirable effects.

      • Ques : What are the Side Effects of Melatonin?

        Ans : Side effects include difficulty in high blood pressure, seizures, depression, and bleeding disorders. If any of these symptoms occur often or on a daily basis, a doctor should be urgently consulted.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for storage and disposal Melatonin?

        Ans : Melatonin should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets. A doctor should be consulted regarding the dosage of Melatonin. The patient should consult a doctor for its further uses and side effects and should inform the doctor about any ongoing medications and treatment before using to avoid undesirable effects. It is important to dispose of expired and unused medications properly to avoid adverse effects.

      • Ques : Is Melatonin safe for children?

        Ans : You must consult a doctor before giving this medication to children.

      References

      • Melatonin-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 18 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/melatonin

      • Melatonin-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 18 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01065

      • Bromelain tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 18 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=bromelain

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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