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Melatonin Use in Pediatrics: A Clinical Review on Indications, Multisystem Effects, and Toxicity
Pranita Shenoy1, Adriana Etcheverry1, Jalyn Ia2
1Department of Pediatrics, Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, CA 93636, USA.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Melatonin is widely used for sleep issues in children, but its unregulated status and increasing popularity raise concerns about side effects and overdose. This paper reviews melatonin
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Exogenous melatonin is commonly prescribed for pediatric insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
- Melatonin's over-the-counter availability and perception of safety have led to widespread use, particularly post-COVID-19.
- Increased melatonin use is associated with a rise in reported side effects and overdoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established and potential medical applications of melatonin beyond sleep regulation.
- To increase awareness of melatonin's pharmacological properties and potential adverse effects in pediatric populations.
- To provide guidance for the optimized and safe use of melatonin in children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on melatonin's efficacy and safety in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of current trends in melatonin use and reported side effects.
- Discussion of non-sleep-related indications for melatonin.
Main Results:
- Melatonin is effective for sleep regulation in various pediatric conditions.
- Emerging research suggests potential benefits in inflammatory and other medical conditions.
- Significant increase in melatonin use and associated adverse events, including overdose, has been observed.
Conclusions:
- While melatonin is valuable for sleep disorders, its widespread availability necessitates careful consideration of risks.
- Further research is needed to explore non-sleep indications and establish clear usage guidelines.
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant regarding melatonin's side effects and promote informed usage in pediatric patients.
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