Melatonin
Also known as: Regulin, Ferretonin, Dermatonin, Benedorm, Buenas Noches, Cronocaps, HT90, Melapure, Melatol, Repentil, Revenox, Transzone, Circadin
Melatonin is a hormone supplement used to treat certain hair loss conditions, sleep problems, and anxiety in pets. * **Administration:** Must be given exactly as directed by your veterinarian to be effective, as timing (e.g., giving it at night or a certain number of hours after sunrise) can be important. * **Expectations:** For hair loss, it may take several months to see improvement. * **Safety:** This use is relatively 'experimental' in veterinary medicine, but it is generally very safe. The most common side effect is mild sleepiness. * **Sourcing:** Because it is sold as a supplement over-the-counter, quality can vary. Purchase from reputable brands recommended by your veterinarian.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Sleep disorders (nocturnal activity)
- Suppression of estrus
- Reduction of gastric ulcers in young pigs
- Adjunctive treatment of adrenal disease
- Adjunctive treatment of adrenal disease
- Alopecia-X, canine pattern baldness, or recurrent flank alopecia (experimental)
- Canine recurrent flank alopecia or seasonal flank alopecia
- Alopecia X
- Color dilution alopecia
- Alopecia-X
- Sleep disorders (nocturnal activity)
- Sleep aid, fears, and phobias
- Idiopathic vacuolar hepatopathy
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Altered sex hormone secretion and fertility
- Sterile abscesses at subcutaneous implant sites
- No information available in monograph (generally well tolerated, may cause mild sedation)
Cautions & contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Sexually immature animals
- Hepatic insufficiency (in humans)
- No information available
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Because of its CNS depressant qualities, it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease, depression, or neurological disorders. Animals nursing young may not benefit from implant therapy.
Drug interactions
- Benzodiazepines: Melatonin may potentiate sedative effects
- Succinylcholine: Melatonin may potentiate neuromuscular blocking effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Melatonin used for in pets?
Melatonin is a hormone supplement used to treat certain hair loss conditions, sleep problems, and anxiety in pets. * **Administration:** Must be given exactly as directed by your veterinarian to be effective, as timing (e.g., giving it at night or a certain number of hours after sunrise) can be important. * **Expectations:** For hair loss, it may take several months to see improvement. * **Safety:** This use is relatively 'experimental' in veterinary medicine, but it is generally very safe. The most common side effect is mild sleepiness. * **Sourcing:** Because it is sold as a supplement over-the-counter, quality can vary. Purchase from reputable brands recommended by your veterinarian.
Is Melatonin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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