Circadin
Circadin is a brand-name, prolonged-release formulation of melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, which plays a vital role in regulating the body's natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Circadin is designed to release melatonin gradually over several hours to mimic the body's natural secretion pattern, helping individuals fall asleep and maintain sleep quality.
Dosage by Body Weight
The standard adult dose is 2 mg (one tablet) taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, after food. The tablet must be swallowed whole to preserve the prolonged-release mechanism. It is typically prescribed for up to 13 weeks. Use in children and adolescents is restricted to specialist recommendation.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated in infants. Sleep issues in infants must be evaluated by a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Not indicated for this weight/age range unless explicitly prescribed and managed by a specialist pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in young children have not been established for routine use.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Under specialist direction only
- Frequency
- Once daily before bedtime
- Tracking Notes
- For children with neurodevelopmental disorders, a specialist may initiate therapy (typically starting at 1 mg to 2 mg, often using pediatric-specific formulations like Slenyto).
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Under specialist direction only
- Frequency
- Once daily before bedtime
- Tracking Notes
- Dose must be individualized by a specialist. Prolonged-release tablets must not be crushed or chewed.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Contraindicated in infants. Sleep issues in infants must be evaluated by a pediatrician. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Not indicated for this weight/age range unless explicitly prescribed and managed by a specialist pediatrician. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Safety and efficacy in young children have not been established for routine use. |
| 11-15 kg | Under specialist direction only | Once daily before bedtime | For children with neurodevelopmental disorders, a specialist may initiate therapy (typically starting at 1 mg to 2 mg, often using pediatric-specific formulations like Slenyto). |
| 16-20 kg | Under specialist direction only | Once daily before bedtime | Dose must be individualized by a specialist. Prolonged-release tablets must not be crushed or chewed. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterized by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 or over. It is also prescribed off-label or under specialist guidance for jet lag, sleep-wake cycle disorders, and sleep onset insomnia in children with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or Autism.
Generic Name
MelatoninScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.