Melonin
Generic Name
Melatonin
Manufacturer
MediPharm Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| melonin 3 mg tablet | ৳ 3.00 | ৳ 30.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain, primarily responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melonin 3 mg tablet is used as a dietary supplement or medication to help with sleep disturbances such as insomnia, jet lag, or shift work sleep disorder.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 3 mg taken orally 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Doses may range from 0.5 mg to 10 mg depending on the indication and individual response. For jet lag, take 3 mg once daily at bedtime, starting on arrival at destination, for up to 5 days.
Elderly
Same as adults, but lower doses might be considered initially due to increased sensitivity and potential for prolonged effects. Use with caution.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment recommendations are available; use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment due to lack of data.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally with water, preferably 30-60 minutes before your desired bedtime. It can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or chew the tablet if it's an extended-release formulation.
Mechanism of Action
Melatonin acts as an agonist at MT1, MT2, and MT3 melatonin receptors. Activation of MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and promoting sleep. It helps to synchronize the body's internal clock.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Sleep-promoting effects typically begin within 30-60 minutes after administration.
Excretion
Excreted predominantly by the kidneys as inactive metabolites, with a small percentage excreted unchanged in urine.
Half life
The elimination half-life is short, typically ranging from 20 to 60 minutes for immediate-release formulations. Extended-release formulations have a longer half-life, up to 3.5-4 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, subject to significant first-pass metabolism. Bioavailability is generally low (e.g., 3-33%) due to extensive hepatic metabolism.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, mainly CYP1A2 and to a lesser extent CYP1A1. First-pass metabolism is substantial.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to melatonin or any excipients in the formulation.
- Patients with severe hepatic impairment (due to insufficient data and potential for accumulation).
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
May increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Monitor INR closely.
Nifedipine
May reduce the hypotensive effect of nifedipine. Monitor blood pressure.
Fluvoxamine
May significantly increase melatonin levels by inhibiting its metabolism (CYP1A2). Avoid co-administration.
Alcohol/CNS Depressants
May enhance the sedative effects of melatonin. Avoid concurrent use.
Rifampicin, Carbamazepine
May decrease melatonin levels by inducing its metabolism.
Cimetidine, Estrogens (contraceptives)
May increase melatonin levels by inhibiting its metabolism.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Overdose
Overdose with melatonin is generally well-tolerated and primarily associated with drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and nausea. No severe adverse effects have been reported. Management is symptomatic and supportive, and typically no specific antidote is required.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Melonin is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy. Use only if clearly needed and advised by a healthcare professional after careful assessment of benefits versus risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions.
Availability
Pharmacies, health food stores, online retailers
Approval Status
Approved (often OTC, prescription in some regions)
Patent Status
Generic, patent expired
Clinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated melatonin's efficacy in reducing sleep latency, improving sleep quality, and regulating circadian rhythms, particularly for primary insomnia in elderly patients, jet lag, and shift work sleep disorder. Studies also explore its potential in other areas like oncology support and neurological conditions.
Lab Monitoring
- Generally no specific lab monitoring is required for routine use of melatonin.
- In patients with underlying medical conditions or those on concomitant medications, relevant lab parameters (e.g., INR for warfarin users) should be monitored as clinically indicated.
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients on the importance of consistent timing of administration.
- Emphasize proper sleep hygiene practices in conjunction with melatonin use.
- Monitor for any persistent daytime drowsiness or other adverse effects.
- Caution patients about potential drug interactions, especially with anticoagulants and CNS depressants.
- Re-evaluate the need for melatonin after a short course of treatment.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Melonin 3 mg tablet about 30-60 minutes before your desired bedtime, consistently at the same time each night.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this medicine, as it may cause drowsiness.
- Consult your doctor if your sleep problems persist after 2-4 weeks of use.
- Avoid alcohol while taking melatonin.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, do not take a double dose to make up for it. If it is significantly past your usual bedtime (e.g., more than 1-2 hours), skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule the next night. Do not take melatonin in the middle of the night as it may cause daytime drowsiness.
Driving Precautions
Melatonin may cause drowsiness and reduced alertness. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Melonin 3 mg tablet, especially during the initial days of treatment, until they know how the medicine affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Practice good sleep hygiene, including a regular sleep-wake schedule, a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding daytime naps.
- Limit exposure to bright lights and electronic screens (smartphones, tablets, computers) in the hour before bedtime.
- Engage in regular physical activity during the day, but avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
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