DRUG SUPPLIED DOSE COMMENTS
MELATONIN (Paeds)


Mechanism of action:

Pineal gland hormone



Ref: 18, 84, 237


Last update: 2022-04-08		 Sublingual tablet: 3 mg

Controlled release tablets: 2 mg (do not crush, but can be split)

Liquid: 3 mg/mL (grape flavour)

(Not stocked at BCCH: 5 mg, 10 mg capsules/tablets)

 Circadian sleep disorders in children:
Average dose: 3-9 mg PO at HS. May be increased to maximum of 15 mg.

Dosage requirement is highly variable and needs to be titrated for each patient.

Dose should be administered 20-30 minutes before the desired bedtime.

 Melatonin most effective for sleep if patients have low or absent melatonin levels.

Melatonin is not a hypnotic.

Does not appear to have any significant adverse effects (may cause vivid dreams, or morning drowsiness in some patients).

Sleep induction should occur with half an hour of dose administration.

Duration of action of quick acting capsules: 3-4 hours; duration of action of controlled release tablets: 6-8 hours.


Standard Prescription:

melatonin__mg PO QHS