Chemical formula: C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂ Molecular mass: 232.278 g/mol PubChem compound: 896
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland and is structurally related to serotonin. Physiologically, melatonin secretion increases soon after the onset of darkness, peaks at 2-4 am and diminishes during the second half of the night. Melatonin is associated with the control of circadian rhythms and entrainment to the light-dark cycle. It is also associated with a hypnotic effect and increased propensity for sleep.
This medicinal substance has been classified in the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification according to its main therapeutic use as follows:
| ATC code | Group title | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| N05CH01 | Melatonin | N Nervous system → N05 Psycholeptics → N05C Hypnotics and sedatives → N05CH Melatonin receptor agonists |
Competent medicine agencies globally have authorized commercialization of this active ingredient according to these medication package inserts (MPIs):
| Title | Information Source | Document Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIRCADIN Prolonged-release tablet | European Medicines Agency (EU) | MPI, EU: SmPC |
Melatonin is an active ingredient of these brands:
Cyprus (CY)Italy (IT)Netherlands (NL)Poland (PL)Romania (RO)Singapore (SG)Note the following: The list of brand names is continuously updated, and thus does not include the total of products circulating worldwide. |
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