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Melatonin 2 mg/1 ml Oral solution

Active Ingredient:
ATC code: 
N05CH01
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About Medicine
{healthcare_pro_orange} This information is for use by healthcare professionals
Last updated on emc: 17 Feb 2026
1. Name of the medicinal product

Sleplag 2mg/ml Oral Solution

Melatonin 2mg/ml Oral Solution

2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each ml of oral solution contains 2mg of melatonin.

Excipient(s) with known effect:

Each 5ml of oral solution contains174.25mg propylene glycol (E1520).

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. Pharmaceutical form

Oral Solution

A clear, colourless to pale yellow colour solution.

4. Clinical particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indications

Melatonin is indicated for:

• For short-term treatment of jet-lag in adults.

• Sleep onset insomnia in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) where sleep hygiene measures have been inadequate.

• Delayed sleep wake phase disorder (DSWPD) in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years and adults up to 25 years of age, where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient.

• Single use for short-term sedation under medical supervision to facilitate electroencephalograms (EEG) in children and adolescents from 1 to 18 years.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

For the short-term treatment of jet lag in adults:

The standard dose is 3 mg (3.0 ml) daily for a maximum of 5 days. The dose may be increased to 6 mg (6.0 ml) if the standard dose does not adequately alleviate symptoms. The dose that adequately alleviates symptoms should be taken for the shortest period.

The first dose should be taken on arrival at destination at the habitual bed-time. Due to the potential for incorrectly timed intake of melatonin to have no effect, or an adverse effect, on re-synchronisation following jet-lag, Melatonin should not be taken before 20:00 hr or after 04:00 hr at destination.

As alcohol can impair sleep and potentially worsen certain symptoms of jet-lag (e.g. headache, morning fatigue, concentration) it is recommended that alcohol is not consumed when taking melatonin.

Melatonin may be taken for a maximum of 16 treatment periods per year.

Sleep onset insomnia in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with ADHD:

Treatment should be initiated by physicians experienced in ADHD and/or paediatric sleep medicine.

Recommended starting dose is 1-2 mg (0.5-1.0 ml) 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

The dose of melatonin can be increased by 1 mg (0.5 ml) every week until effect up to a maximum 5 mg (2.5 ml) per day, independent of age. The lowest effective dose that controls symptoms should be taken for the shortest period.

There is limited data available for up to 3 years of treatment. After at least 3 months of treatment, the physician should evaluate the treatment effect and consider discontinuing the treatment if no clinically relevant treatment effect is seen. The patient should be monitored at regular intervals (at least every 6 months) to check that Melatonin is still the most appropriate treatment. During ongoing treatment, especially if the treatment effect is uncertain, discontinuation attempts should be done regularly at least once per year.

If insomnia has occurred during treatment with ADHD medication, dose adjustment or change of the treatment should be considered.

Adults

In adolescents whose symptoms persist into adulthood and who have shown clear benefit from treatment, it may be appropriate to continue treatment into adulthood.

However, initiation of treatment in adults is not appropriate.

Delayed sleep wake phase disorder:

In children and adolescents (6-17 years) and adults up to 25 years of age:

Treatment should be initiated by physicians experienced in DSWPD and/or paediatric sleep medicine.

The recommended starting dose is 1 to 2 mg (0.5 – 1.0 ml) once a day, 1-2 hours before the fixed desired bedtime. The dose of melatonin should be adjusted individually until effective up to a maximum of 5 mg (2.5 ml) per day, independent of age. The lowest effective dose that controls symptoms should be taken for the shortest period.

After 6 weeks of treatment, the physician should evaluate the treatment effect and consider stopping treatment if no clinically relevant treatment effect is seen. In patients with significant continuing daytime sleepiness or misaligned circadian rhythm the possibility of high residual melatonin in the morning should be considered. In these cases melatonin can be stopped and restarted at a lower dose.

There is insufficient safety data to support long term use of melatonin in children approaching puberty. After the achievement of advanced sleep-wake phase for 6 weeks, treatment should be stopped to evaluate if the patient can independently maintain an advanced sleep-wake schedule. If withdrawal of melatonin results in clinical relapse, melatonin can be resumed and continued.

Limited data are available for up to 3 years of treatment (please see section 4.4).

Adults over 25 years of age

In adults whose symptoms persist past the age of 25 and who have shown clear benefit from treatment, it may be appropriate to continue treatment. However, initiation of treatment in adults over 25 years of age is not appropriate.

Single use for short-term sedation under medical supervision to facilitate EEG in children and adolescents from 1 to 18 years:

Melatonin should be given 30-45 minutes before the anticipated start of the procedure as a single dose of 3mg (3.0 ml) for children weighing less than 15 kg and 6 mg (6.0 ml) for those weighing more than 15 kg. Where possible this dose should be administered after a period of sleep deprivation to maximise the sedative effects. One further dose at 50% of the initial dose - 1.5 mg (<15 kg) or 3 mg (>15 kg) may be given if sleep is not achieved after 45 minutes. Therefore the maximum daily dose is 4.5 mg (4.5 ml) in children weighing less than 15 kg and 9 mg (9.0 ml) for those weighing more than 15 kg.

Elderly

As the pharmacokinetics of melatonin (immediate release) is comparable in young adults and elderly persons in general, no specific dosage recommendations for elderly persons are provided (see section 5.2). However, individual elderly patients may be more likely to be slow metabolisers of melatonin with the potential for high residual morning levels of melatonin. In cases where there is excessive morning sleepiness, a lack of effect on DLMO and / or advancing sleep phase the possibility of impaired melatonin clearance, too high a dose, or too late a time of administration should be considered.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP enzymes and other slow metabolisers

Polymorphisms in CYP1A2, CYP1A1 and CYP2C19 may affect first pass metabolism and systemic clearance of melatonin contributing to interindividual variability.

Renal impairment

There is only limited experience regarding the use of Melatonin in patients with renal impairment. Caution should be exercised if melatonin is used by patients with renal impairment. Melatonin is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

There is only limited experience regarding the use of Melatonin in patients with hepatic impairment. Limited data indicate that plasma clearance of melatonin is significantly reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis. Melatonin is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).

Method of administration

For oral use.

The required dose should be drawn from the container into the graduated syringe using the syringe adaptor (see section 6.6).

Food can enhance the increase in plasma melatonin concentration (see section 5.2). Intake of melatonin with carbohydrate-rich meals may impair blood glucose control for several hours (see Section 4.4). It is recommended that food is not consumed 2 h before and 2 h after intake of melatonin.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Melatonin may cause drowsiness. Melatonin should be used with caution if the effects of drowsiness are likely to be associated with a risk to patient safety.

Melatonin has been reported to increase, decrease and have no effect on seizure frequency in patients experiencing seizures (e.g. epileptic patients). Caution should be exercised when prescribing to patients with epilepsy and/or with multiple neurological defects and/or with concomitant medications that could increase seizure frequency.

Occasional case reports have described exacerbation of an autoimmune disease in patients taking melatonin. There are no data regarding use of Melatonin in patients with autoimmune diseases. Melatonin is not recommended in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Limited data suggest that melatonin taken in close proximity to ingestion of carbohydrate-rich meals may impair blood glucose control for several hours. Melatonin should be taken at least 2 hours before and at least 2 hours after a meal; ideally at least 3 hours after meal by persons with significantly impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes.

Only limited data are available on the safety and efficiency of melatonin in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment. Melatonin is not recommended for use in patients suffering from severe renal impairment or moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Paediatric population

There is insufficient data to analyse the impact of long-term exposure to melatonin in children and adolescents on the sexual maturation of this population. There are theoretical risks based on biological effects of melatonin, e.g. immunological regulation, effects on the threshold for seizures and endocrinological effects, which could affect puberty development and fertility, respectively. Therefore, treatment should be taken for the shortest period and evaluated on a regular basis (at least every 6 months) to check that melatonin is still the most appropriate treatment.

Elderly (65 years old and over)

Exposure levels to melatonin after oral administration in young and moderately older adults are comparable. Although prolonged elevated levels of melatonin have been seen in some elderly patients it is unclear if all significantly older persons are especially sensitive to exogenous melatonin. Caution should therefore be exercised in the treatment of this age group and individual dosage is recommended.

Switching between formulations

Care should be exercised when changing between different formulations/products as the plasma concentrations with this solution may be higher than that observed with other formulations. Changing formulations may increase the risk of drowsiness or somnolence.

Excipient warning:

Propylene glycol (E1520): This medicinal product contains 174.25mg propylene glycol in each 5ml which is equivalent to 34.85mg/ml.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Pharmacokinetic interactions

• Melatonin is metabolised mainly by the hepatic cytochrome P450 CYP1A enzymes, primarily CYP1A2. Therefore, interactions between melatonin and other active substances as a consequence of their effect on CYP1A enzymes are possible.

• Caution is indicated in patients treated with fluvoxamine, since this agent increases melatonin levels (17-fold higher AUC and 12-fold higher serum Cmax) by inhibiting its metabolism via CYP1A2 and CYP2C19. This combination should be avoided.

• Caution is indicated in patients taking 5- or 8-methoxypsoralen (5- or 8-MOP), since this agent increases melatonin levels by inhibiting its metabolism.

• Caution is indicated in patients taking cimetidine, since this agent increases plasma melatonin levels by inhibiting its metabolism by CYP2D

• Caution should be exercised in patients receiving oestrogen therapy (e.g. in the form of contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy), since oestrogens increase melatonin level by inhibiting its metabolism, primarily via inhibition of CYP1A2.

• CYP1A2 inhibitors (such as quinolones) may increase systemic melatonin levels.

• CYP1A2 inducers (such as carbamazepine and rifampicin) may reduce plasma concentrations of melatonin.

• Cigarette smoking may decrease melatonin levels due to induction of CYP1A2.

Pharmacodynamic interactions

• Melatonin may enhance the sedative effect of benzodiazepines (e.g. midazolam, temazepam) and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (e.g. zolpidem, zopiclone). In a study of jet-lag therapy the combination of melatonin and zolpidem resulted in a higher incidence of morning sleepiness, nausea, and confusion, and reduced activity during the first hour after getting up, compared to zolpidem alone.

• Melatonin may affect the anticoagulation activity of warfarin.

• As alcohol can impair sleep and potentially worsen certain symptoms e.g. headache, morning fatigue, concentration it is recommended that alcohol is not consumed when taking melatonin.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no or limited amount of data for the use of melatonin in pregnant women.

Exogenous melatonin readily crosses the human placenta.

Animal studies are insufficient with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Melatonin is not recommended during pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential not using contraception.

Breast-feeding

There is insufficient data on the excretion of melatonin / metabolites in human milk. Endogenous melatonin is secreted in human milk.

Available pharmacodynamic / toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of melatonin / metabolites milk (see Section 5.3).

A risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded.

Melatonin should not be used during breast-feeding.

Fertility

High doses of melatonin and use for longer periods than indicated may compromise fertility in humans.

Animal studies are insufficient with respect to effects on fertility (see Section 5.3).

Melatonin is not recommended in women and men planning pregnancy.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Melatonin has a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Melatonin may cause drowsiness and may decrease alertness for several hours, therefore use of Melatonin is not recommended prior to driving and using machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

After single doses of melatonin, nausea and vomiting were common adverse effects.

Drowsiness / sleepiness, headache, and dizziness / disorientation are the most frequently reported adverse effects when melatonin is taken on a short-term basis.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, drowsiness, headache and dizziness are also adverse effects reported most frequently when typical clinical doses of melatonin have been taken for periods of several days to several weeks by healthy persons and patients.

In longer term treatment of up to several months no additional long term adverse effects were seen, except an uncommon effect of abnormal dreams.

Tabulated list adverse reactions

The following adverse reactions to melatonin in general have been reported in clinical trials or spontaneous case reports. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined as follows: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1,000 <1/100), rare (≥1 / 10,000 <1/1,000), very rare (<1 / 10,000), not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data).

System organ class

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)

Infections and infestations

herpes zoster

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

leucopenia, thrombocytopenia

Immune system disorders

hypersensitivity reaction

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

hypertriglyceridaemia

hyperglycaemia

Psychiatric disorders

irritability, nervousness, restlessness, abnormal dreams, anxiety

mood altered, aggressive behaviour, disorientation, libido increased, depressed mood, depression

Nervous system disorders

headache, somnolence

migraine, lethargy, psychomotor hyperactivity, dizziness

syncope (fainting), memory impairment, restless legs syndrome, disturbance in attention, poor quality sleep, paraesthesia

drowsiness, sedation

Eye disorders

visual acuity reduced, vision blurred, lacrimation increased

Ear and labyrinth disorders

vertigo positional, vertigo

Cardiac disorders

angina pectoris, palpitations

Vascular disorders

hypertension

hot flushes

Gastrointestinal disorders

abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, dyspepsia, oral ulcers, dry mouth, nausea

gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal disorder, oral mucosal blistering, tongue ulceration, gastrointestinal upset vomiting, bowel sounds abnormal, flatulence, salivary hypersecretion, halitosis, gastritis

Hepatobiliary disorders

hyperbilirubinemia

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

dermatitis, night sweats, pruritus, rash, generalised itching, dry skin

eczema, erythema, hand dermatitis, psoriasis, generalised skin rash, itchy skin rash, nail disorder

angioedema, oedema of the tongue, oral mucosal oedema

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

pain in extremity

arthritis, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, neck pain, night cramps

Renal and urinary disorders

glycosuria, proteinuria

polyuria, haematuria, night urination

Reproductive system and breast disorders

menopause symptoms

priapism, prostatitis

galactorrhoea

General disorders and administration site conditions

chest pain, malaise

exhaustion, pain, thirst

Investigations

abnormal liver function, weight increased

elevated liver enzymes, abnormal electrolytes

Paediatric population

In the paediatric population, a low frequency of generally mild side effects have been reported. The number of side effects did not differ significantly between children who received placebo and children who received melatonin. The most common side effects were headache, hyperactivity, dizziness and abdominal pain. No serious side effects have been observed.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9 Overdose

Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and nausea are the most commonly reported signs and symptoms of overdose with oral melatonin.

Ingestion of daily doses of up to 300 mg of melatonin did not cause clinically significant adverse reactions.

Flushes, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, headache, and scotoma lucidum have been reported after ingestion of extremely high melatonin doses (3000 - 6600 mg) for several weeks.

General supportive measures should be employed. Gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal can be considered.

Clearance of the active substance is expected within 12 hours of ingestion.

5. Pharmacological properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Melatonin

ATC code: N05CH01

Melatonin is a hormone and antioxidant. Melatonin secreted by the pineal gland is involved in the synchronisation of circadian rhythms to the diurnal light-dark cycle. Melatonin secretion / plasma melatonin level increases shortly after the onset of darkness, peaks around 02:00 – 04:00 hr and declines to the daytime nadir by dawn. Peak melatonin secretion is almost diametrically opposite peak daylight intensity, with daylight being the primary stimulus for maintaining the circadian rhythmicity of melatonin secretion.

Mechanism of action

The pharmacological mechanism of action in melatonin is believed to be based on its interaction with MT1-, MT2- and MT3 receptors, as these receptors (particularly MT1 and MT2) are involved in the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms in general (chronobiotic effect).

Pharmacodynamic effects

Melatonin has a hypnotic / sedative effect and increases propensity for sleep. Melatonin administered earlier or later than the nocturnal peak in melatonin secretion can, respectively, advance or delay the circadian rhythmicity of melatonin secretion through its chronobiotic effect. Immediate release melatonin was assessed for its hypnotic effect on sleep onset or sedation, while the chronobiotic effect was assessed using timing of the endogenous dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) as a reliable and objective marker of circadian rhythm.

The hypnotic effect of melatonin to improve sleep onset was most effective when given in the evening and followed the time course of plasma melatonin levels. The chronobiotic effect of melatonin, assessed using 0.5 mg and 3.0 mg phase response curves showed that exogenous melatonin produces the largest advance shifts when circulating endogenous levels are low - at least 1-2 hrs before DLMO, with phase shifts diminishing when endogenous melatonin increases, and high levels in the early morning potentially delaying the circadian clock.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Jet-lag in adults

Typical symptoms of jet-lag are sleep disturbances and daytime tiredness and fatigue, though mild cognitive impairment, irritability, and gastrointestinal disturbances may also occur.

Jet-lag is worse the more time-zones crossed, and is typically worse following eastward travel as people generally find it harder to advance their circadian (body clock) than to delay it, as required following westward travel.

Clinical trials found that melatonin, taken close to the target bedtime at the destination (10 pm to midnight), decreased jet lag from flights crossing five or more time zones.

The benefit is likely to be greater the more time zones are crossed, and less for westward flights. Daily doses of melatonin between 0.5 and 5 mg are similarly effective, except that people fall asleep faster and sleep better after 5 mg than 0.5 mg.

Clinical trials have found melatonin to reduce patient-assessed overall symptoms of jet-lag by ~ 44%, and to shorten the duration of jet-lag. In 2 studies of flights over 12 time zones melatonin effectively reduce the duration of jet-lag by ~ 33%. Due to the potential for incorrectly timed intake of melatonin to have no effect, or an adverse effect, on re-synchronisation of circadian rhythmicity / jet-lag, melatonin should not be taken before 20:00 hr or after 04:00 hr at destination.

Insomnia in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient:

Melatonin advanced sleep onset by 26.9 ± 47.8 minutes, compared to a delay of 10.5 ± 37.4 minutes with placebo (p < 0.0001) in a 4-week randomised, double-blind, placebo- controlled study conducted in 105 stimulant-free children of 6 to 12 years, with ADHD and chronic sleep onset insomnia (van der Heijden 2007). In the melatonin group an advance of sleep onset >30 minutes was more common (48.8% of children) than in those who received placebo (12.8%, p = 0.001). There was an increase in mean total time asleep of 19.8 ± 61.9 minutes with melatonin and a decrease of 13.6 ± 50.6 minutes with placebo (p = 0.01). As compared with placebo, the melatonin group showed a decrease in sleep latency (p = 0.001) and increase in sleep efficiency (p = 0.01). The mean score on sleep log item difficulty falling asleep decreased by 1.2 ± 1.3 points (35.3% of baseline) with melatonin and by 0.1 ± 0.8 points (4.3% of baseline) with placebo (p < 0.0001). There was no significant effect on behaviour, cognition, and quality of life.

Delayed sleep wake phase disorder (DSWPD) in children, adolescents and young adults aged 6-25 years, where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient.

The 4 pivotal studies included 308 subjects with an age range of 6-65 years. A clinically and statistically significant improvement in sleep onset times or sleep onset latency were reported in the melatonin treatment groups when compared to placebo (Saxvig 2014, 25 minute improvement p=0.013; Sletten 2018, 44 minute improvement p<0.001; Van Geijlswijk 2010 a >30 min improvement, p<0.001; Van Maanen 2017a a 44 minute improvement p<0.01). Similar effects were seen for dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) a marker of circadian rhythmicity.

Single use for short-term sedation under medical supervision to facilitate electroencephalograms in children and adolescents.

In 3 clinical studies across 636 children up to 18 years of age, melatonin was effective in ensuring that the sleep EEG could be completed (Melatonin 89.4% versus Triclofos 91.2%, Lalwani 2021; Melatonin 73.3% versus Midazolam 36.7% Fallah 2014). An augmentation dose of melatonin was needed in up to 25.4% of patients.

Safety in all indications

Adverse effects associated with melatonin use in clinical studies involving melatonin doses of 0.5 to 12 mg were typically mild. Transient drowsiness / sedation, headache, dizziness / disorientation and gastrointestinal disorders were the most common events.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Melatonin is a small, amphiphilic molecule (molecular weight 232 g/mol) active in its parent form. Melatonin is synthesised in the human body from tryptophan via serotonin. Small quantities are obtained via diet. Data summarised below are from studies that generally involved healthy men and women, primarily young and middle-aged adults.

Absorption

Orally administered melatonin is almost completely absorbed. Oral bioavailability is ~ 15%, owing to first-pass metabolism of ~ 85%. In a bioavailability study using Syri's Oral Solution, the Plasma Tmax is ~ 20 minutes. A 3 mg dose administered as melatonin 2mg/ml oral solution produced a mean plasma melatonin Cmax of 13009 pg/mL, which is ~ 229-times the nocturnal (endogenous) plasma melatonin Cmax, though both endogenous- and exogenous Cmax show considerable inter-individual variation.

Data on the effect of intake of food at or around the time of intake of melatonin on its pharmacokinetics are limited, though suggest that concomitant food intake may increase absorption almost 2-fold. Food appears to have a limited effect on Tmax for immediate-release melatonin. This is not expected to affect the efficacy or safety of Melatonin Oral Solution, however, it is recommended that food is not consumed approximately 2 h before and 2 h after intake of melatonin.

Distribution

The protein binding of melatonin is approximately 50 – 60%. Melatonin primarily binds to albumin, though also binds alpha1-acid glycoprotein; binding to other plasma proteins is limited. Melatonin rapidly distributes from the plasma into and out of most tissues and organ, and readily crosses the brain-blood barrier. Melatonin readily crosses the placenta. The level in umbilical blood of full-term babies closely correlates with, and is only slightly lower (~ 15 – 35%) than, that of their mother following ingestion of a 3 mg dose.

Biotransformation

Melatonin is mainly metabolised by the liver. Experimental data suggest that the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 are primarily responsible for melatonin metabolism, with CYP2C19 of minor importance. Melatonin is primarily metabolised to 6-hydroxymelatonin (constituting ~ 80 – 90% of melatonin metabolites recovered in the urine). N-acetylserotonin appears to be the primary minor metabolite (constituting ~ 10% of melatonin metabolites recovered in the urine). Melatonin metabolism is very rapid, with plasma 6-hydroxymelatonin level rising within minutes of exogenous melatonin entering the systemic circulation. 6-hydroxymelatonin undergoes sulphate conjugation (~ 70%) and glucuronide conjugation (~ 30%) prior to excretion.

Elimination

In a pharmacokinetic study with Melatonin 2mg/ml Oral Solution the mean Plasma elimination half-life (T½) was 42 minutes in healthy adults. Melatonin metabolites are mainly eliminated by the urine, ~ 90% as sulphate and glucuronide conjugates of 6-hydroxymelatonin. Less than ~ 1% of a melatonin dose is excreted unchanged in urine.

Linearity

Plasma melatonin Cmax and AUC increase in a directly proportional, linear manner for oral doses of immediate-release melatonin in the range 1 – 6 mg whereas Tmax and plasma T½ remain constant.

Gender

Limited data suggest that Cmax and AUC following ingestion of immediate-release melatonin may be higher (potentially roughly double) in women compared to men, however a large variability in the pharmacokinetics is observed. Plasma melatonin half-life does not appear to be significantly different in men and women.

Special populations

Older people

Night-time endogenous melatonin plasma concentration is lower in the elderly compared to young adults. Limited data for plasma- Tmax, Cmax, elimination half-life (T½), and AUC following ingestion of immediate-release melatonin do not indicate significant differences between younger adults and elderly persons in general, though the range of values (inter-individual variability) for each parameter tend to be greater in the elderly.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP enzymes and other slow metabolisers

Polymorphisms in CYP1A2, CYP1A1 and CYP2C19 may affect first pass metabolism and systemic clearance of melatonin contributing to interindividual variability. In cases where there is excessive morning sleepiness, a lack of effect on DLMO and / or advancing sleep phase the possibility of impaired melatonin clearance, too high a dose, or too late a time of administration should be considered.

Hepatic impairment

As the liver is the primary site of melatonin metabolism, hepatic impairment can be expected to result in increased exposure to melatonin. Limited data indicate that blood melatonin concentrations were elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis and serum T½ was double that of controls.

Renal impairment

Literature data indicate that there is no accumulation of melatonin after repeated dosing (3 mg for 5 – 11 weeks) in patients on stable haemodialysis. However, as melatonin is primarily excreted as metabolites in the urine, plasma levels of melatonin metabolites can be expected increase in patients with more advanced renal impairment.

Patients with comorbid medical conditions including psychiatric disorders

Optimal management of these conditions often improves sleep; however, insomnia may persist even with resolution of the medical condition or with partial, but maximal, medical management. As bidirectional relationships exist among many medical conditions and insomnia, addressing insomnia may improve both the patient's medical status and their quality of life. Consideration should be given to managing insomnia in certain patients where clinically appropriate.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, single and repeated dose toxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential.

Effects were observed only at exposures considered sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure.

After intra-peritoneal administration of a single, large dose of melatonin to pregnant mice, fetal body-weight and length tended to be lower, possibly due to maternal toxicity. Delay in sexual maturation in male and female offspring of the rat and ground squirrel occurred upon exposure to melatonin during pregnancy and post-partum. These data indicate that exogenous melatonin crosses the placenta and is secreted in milk, and that it may influence the ontogeny and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. As the rat and ground squirrel are seasonal breeders, the implications of these findings for humans uncertain.

6. Pharmaceutical particulars
6.1 List of excipients

Propylene Glycol (E1520)

Glycerol (E422)

Orange flavour (including propylene glycol (E1520)

6.2 Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

6.3 Shelf life

18 months

For 25ml: Discard 30 days after first opening.

For 100ml: Discard 60 days after first opening.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 30°C.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Bottle: Amber coloured glass bottle.

Closure: Tamper evident, child resistant white plastic cap consists of polypropylene inner, polyethylene outer, expanded polyethylene (EPE) liner.

Dosing Device: A 5ml oral syringe with 0.1ml graduation marks and a syringe adaptor

Pack size: 25ml or 100ml

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7. Marketing authorisation holder

Syri Limited

Unit 4, Bradfield Road,

Ruislip, Middlesex,

HA4 0NU, UK.

Trading as:

SyriMed,

Unit 4, Bradfield Road,

Ruislip, Middlesex,

HA4 0NU, UK.

8. Marketing authorisation number(s)

PL 39307/0098

9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 21 May 2024

10. Date of revision of the text

09/02/2026

SyriMed
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