Melatol
Melatol - General Information
A biogenic amine that is found in animals and plants. In mammals, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland. Its secretion increases in darkness and decreases during exposure to light. Melatol is implicated in the regulation of sleep, mood, and reproduction. Melatol is also an effective antioxidant. [PubChem]
Pharmacology of Melatol
Melatol is a hormone normally produced in the pineal gland and released into the blood. The essential amino acid L-tryptophan is a precursor in the synthesis of melatonin. It helps regulate sleep-wake cycles or the circadian rhythm. Production of melatonin is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. High levels of melatonin induce sleep and so consumption of the drug can be used to combat insomnia and jet lag.
Melatol for patients
The use of melatonin derived from animal pineal tissue may carry the risk of contamination or the means of transmitting viral material. The synthetic form of melatonin does not carry this risk. Melatonin has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/ or advantages of melatonin may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/ health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/ health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Melatol Interactions
Melatonin may interact with the following drugs: aspirin and other NSAIDs (may lower melatonin levels), fluvoxamine (bioavailability of oral melatonin is increased with coadministration), beta blockers (may decrease melatonin levels), fluoxetine (reports of psychotic episodes when coadministered), progestin (coadministration of melatonin with progestin can inhibit ovarian function in women), benzodiazepenes and other sedating drugs (may result in additive sedation and an increased incidence of adverse effects), and corticosteroids (coadministration of melatonin and corticosteroids may interfere with the efficacy of the corticosteroids).
Melatol Contraindications
Product NOT intended for the treatment of Pernicious anemia
Additional information about Melatol
Melatol Indication: For the treatment of insomnia and jet lag
Mechanism Of Action: Melatol is a derivative of tryptophan. It binds to melatonin receptor type 1A, which then acts on adenylate cylcase and the inhibition of a cAMP signal transduction pathway. Melatol not only inhibits adenylate cyclase, but it also activates phosphilpase C. This potentiates the release of arachidonate.
Drug Interactions: Nifedipine Melatol can possibly decrease the effect of nifedipine
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Melatonin
Synonyms: Not Available
Drug Category: Free Radical Scavengers; Antioxidants; Anticonvulsants; Adjuvants, Immunologic
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Melatonin: Circadin; MT6; Mela-T; Melatol; Melatonex; Melatonine; Melovine; Night Rest;
Absorption: The absorption and bioavailability of melatonin varies widely.
Toxicity (Overdose): Oral, rat: LD50 = >3200 mg/kg
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Hepatic. Metabolized in the liver by hydroxylation to 6-hydroxymelatonin.
Half Life: 35 to 50 minutes
Dosage Forms of Melatol: Not Available
Chemical IUPAC Name: N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]acetamide
Chemical Formula: C13H16N2O2
Melatonin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
