Melatonin Capsules and Oral Liquid

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Melatonin Capsules and Oral Liquid.
It does not contain all of the available information. It is not intended to replace the advice of your pharmacist or doctor.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine; you may need to read it again.

What melatonin is used for

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep–wake cycle.
Compounded melatonin capsules and liquid are used in adults and children for short‑term treatment of insomnia and to help reduce jet‑lag symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe melatonin for another reason — if so, follow their advice.

Before you take melatonin

When you must not take it

• Do not take melatonin if you are allergic to melatonin or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
• Do not take if you are pregnant or breast‑feeding unless your doctor recommends it.

Before you start to take it

Tell your pharmacist if you:

• have liver or kidney disease
• have an autoimmune condition
• regularly drink alcohol or use other sedatives

Taking other medicines

Tell your pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially:

• benzodiazepines or other sleep medicines
• anticoagulants such as warfarin
  These medicines may interact with melatonin.

How to take melatonin

How much to take

Follow the label or the instructions provided by your pharmacist.
A typical adult dose is 1 mg to 5 mg, taken 1–2 hours before bedtime.

How to take it

Capsules: Swallow whole with a glass of water.
Liquid: Measure the dose using the supplied oral syringe and swallow.

When to take it

Take melatonin 1–2 hours before you intend to sleep.

How long to take it

Melatonin is usually taken for up to 3 weeks for jet‑lag or up to 13 weeks for insomnia.
Do not exceed the recommended duration unless advised by your doctor.

If you forget a dose

If you forget to take melatonin and it is close to bedtime, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is nearly morning, skip the missed dose and resume the next night.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor, the Poisons Information Centre (☎ 13 11 26 in Australia), or go to Accident & Emergency if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much melatonin. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort.

While you are taking melatonin

Things you must do

• Maintain good sleep hygiene (dark, quiet bedroom, regular bedtime).
• Tell any healthcare professional you start melatonin treatment.

Things you must not do

• Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy.

Things to be careful of

Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of melatonin.

Possible side effects

Common (≥1 %)	Less common / rare (<1 %)
Drowsiness next morning	Allergic rash
Headache	Very vivid dreams or nightmares
Nausea	Liver function test changes

Most side effects are mild and short‑lived.
Stop taking melatonin and seek medical advice if you experience severe or worrying symptoms.

Storage and disposal

• Store capsules below 25 °C in a dry place, protected from light.
• Store liquid melatonin in the fridge
• Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Product description

What it looks like

• Capsules: white, opaque size 3 hard gelatin capsules.
• Oral Liquid: clear, colourless solution supplied in an amber glass bottle with child‑resistant cap.

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: melatonin 0.5–10 mg per capsule or per mL.
• Inactive ingredients (capsules): Capsublend-P™, gelatin capsule
• Inactive ingredients (liquid): flavor-plus™, flavour(optional).

Sponsor / Further information

Prepared by Gardens Compounding Pharmacy
Suite 1.5, 470 Wodonga Pl, Albury NSW 2640
Phone (02) 6023 3666 compounding@awardpharmacies.com

This leaflet was updated on 23 July 2025.
This CMI is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.