Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone-based medication primarily used to treat sleep disorders and jet lag by helping regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. It is commonly used by individuals experiencing circadian rhythm disturbances, shift workers, and travelers crossing multiple time zones to improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Melatonin is a sleep-regulating hormone supplement used to treat insomnia, jet lag, and other sleep-wake cycle disorders.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05CX02
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Melatonin
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Restone, Melatonex, Somnicin
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 1
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 4
- Routes
- oral, sublingual
- Forms
- tablets, capsules, gummies, lozenges, oral liquids
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union countries, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
- Monitoring
- sleep effectiveness, side effects
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg to 5mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg to 3mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily 30-60 minutes before bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg to 2mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
melatonin passes into breast milk, use with caution
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 3 to 12 yearsweight-based dosing recommended
use under medical supervision, start with lowest dose
monitor growth, development and sleep patterns
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lower dose
use caution due to increased sensitivity
monitor for next-day drowsiness
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no significant dose adjustment required
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
monitor closely for accumulation
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateconsider dose reduction
metabolized in liver, use with caution
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid or significantly reduce dose
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment
close medical supervision required
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for melatonin
Drug class
ATC code N05CD02
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Primarily used for sleep-onset insomnia, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, jet lag adjustment, and sleep problems associated with shift work. May also be used in children with neurodevelopmental disorders who have sleep difficulties.
Melatonin acts on melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus to signal the brain that it is time for sleep, helping to reset the body's internal circadian rhythm and promote natural sleep initiation.
Should be taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime at the appropriate time for your sleep schedule. Common side effects include morning drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. May interact with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and diabetes medications. Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children. Not intended for long-term use without medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy