Often used for:
N/A
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone made in the brain during nighttime hours. It works by helping to regulate when you sleep and wake up.
Melatonin supplements can help your child fall asleep and sleep better. It is available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription.
This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital or at home.
Melatonin at home
- Tablet/capsule: Take at bedtime and at least 2 hours after a meal. Tablet may be crushed and mixed with water. Do not crush, chew, or break extended release or coated tablets. Swallow capsules whole.
- Liquid suspension: Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
- Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
- Some medicines may need to be protected from light. Follow instructions from the pharmacy.
Possible side effects
- Excessive sleepiness (drowsiness)
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Stuffy nose
- Not all patients who take melatonin will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care team.
- This medicine may work better for some patients than for others.
- It may make your child drowsy even during daytime awake hours. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
- Certain medicines can interact with melatonin. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines and supplements your child takes.
- It is important that patients tell the care team if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
