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| Pronunciation |
 (mel
ah TOE
nin) |
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| Synonyms |
| N-Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine |
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| Pharmacological Index |
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Hormone; Hypnotic, Miscellaneous |
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| Use |
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Sleep disorders (insomnia), circadian rhythm disturbances (ie, jet lag); only FDA approval (as an orphan drug) is for treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders in blind people with no light perception |
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| Adverse Reactions |
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Percentage unknown: Dermatologic: Pruritus Gastrointestinal: Nausea Miscellaneous: Increase in alkaline phosphatase |
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| Mechanism of Action |
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A hormone produced and secreted in the pineal gland causes an increase in hypothalamus aminobutyric acid and serotonin. Increased secretion occurs during dark hours; decreases neopterin release; counteracts apoptosis; increases thymus activity |
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| Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics |
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Absorption: Rapid Peak plasma level: 1 hour |
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| Usual Dosage |
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Oral: Hypnotic effects: Oral: 0.1-0.3 mg (daytime); 1-10 mg (nighttime) Insomnia: 5-75 mg at night have been used |
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| Reference Range |
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Mean baseline melatonin serum levels 80 pg/mL (range: 0-200) between 2-4 AM. Elevated endogenous levels seen after 9 AM; after a 2.5 mg oral dose, plasma melatonin level may be as high as 8.50 pg/mL. |
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| Dosage Forms |
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Tablet: 3 mg Tablet, sublingual: 2.5 mg |
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