title: Pharmacokinetics of Melatonin: The Missing Link in Clinical Efficacy?
abstract: Despite widespread clinical application of melatonin, several unanswered questions remain regarding the pharmacokinetics of this drug. This lack of knowledge may contribute to the inconsistency of results in previous clinical studies. Currently, a t max value of 30-45 min and a t ½elimination of 45 min are well established. Several questions relate to what constitutes a clinically effective plasma concentration, the choice of ideal administration route, and the optimal method of analysis. Furthermore, investigations of melatonin metabolites in humans are urgently needed in order to characterize their biological functions and the metabolic fates of these derivatives. Finally, pharmacokinetics in patients should be investigated further in order to reduce the risk of potential adverse effects, such as daytime sleepiness or unintended sedation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. lphandersen@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Lars Peter Holst
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Roskilde and Køge Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark.
authors.forename: Ismail
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gögenur
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Russel J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Reiter
mesh_terms: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D008550:Melatonin