Melatonin

natural hormon regulation of sleep-wake rhythm successfully experienced in shift-workers, jet-

lag, chronic insomnia first treatment for sleep difficulties of blind

people

Physiology

Treatment of sleep disorders in blind children

neurologically multiply disabled children with chronic sleep-wake rhythm difficulties

poor response to sedatives visual impairment

Circadin®

2mg, prolonged-release tablet indications :

short term-treatment of primary insomnia patients aged 55 or over

posology 2mg once daily 1– 2 hours before bedtime for three weeks

few adverse effects

• Interaction with other medicines: Alcohol Benzodiazepin and hypnotics

Pharmacokinetic properties: Complete absorption Low bioavailability (15%) Hepatic metabolism Renal elimination

Assessment of the French transparency commission (TC)

approved in Europe for short-term treatment on primary insomnia in patients aged 55 and over

efficacity/tolerability ratio is « favourable in the short term »

« low » clinical rating rating to be reassessed 18 months after the

product has been approved for reimbursement impact on the consumption of benzodiazepine-

type pills in France

Conclusion

few adverse effects, compared to BZD product was only evaluated over a three-week

treatment period efficient in children, less in grown-ups ? further evaluation needed