Altonil 3 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET

ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET is a medication manufactured by Alteus Biogenics Pvt. Ltd.

• Name:
  • Brand Name: ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET, Altonil 3 mg MD Tablet
• Composition:
  • Active Ingredient: Melatonin 3 mg
• Uses: ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET is primarily used to manage sleep disorders by synchronizing the body's biological day-and-night rhythm. It is prescribed for:
  • Insomnia (difficulty falling and/or staying asleep).
  • Jet lag (sleep disturbances due to traveling across multiple time zones).
  • Sleep-onset insomnia in children and adolescents (aged 6 to 17 years) with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  • Improving the sleep cycle in night shift workers and elderly patients with reduced melatonin levels.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • Typically taken orally, once daily, 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime, or as directed by a physician.
  • It should ideally be taken on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or after a meal.
  • Maintain a consistent time each day to ensure a steady level of medicine in the bloodstream.
  • Do not stop the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.
• Side Effects:
  • Common: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. Other reported common side effects include depressed mood, irritability, stomach ache, vivid dreams or nightmares, common cold, back pain, joint pain, impaired coordination, fatigue, and memory impairment.
  • Serious: Changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Precautions:
  • Avoid taking if allergic to melatonin or any components.
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery as it may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
  • Do not consume alcohol or smoke, as they can impair sleep and reduce the medicine's effectiveness.
  • Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, or heart problems. Consult a doctor if you have these conditions.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking due to potential interactions (e.g., fluvoxamine, psoralens, cimetidine, estrogens, quinolones, rifampicin, carbamazepine, benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, anticoagulants). Avoid grapefruit juice.
  • Not recommended for long-term use without medical advice.
• Storage:
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
  • Maintain at room temperature (10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC) and protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET (Melatonin 3 mg):

What is ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET used for?

ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET, containing Melatonin, is primarily used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) and jet lag (a temporary sleep disorder resulting from travel across time zones). It can also be used to manage sleep-onset insomnia in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sleep disturbances caused by irregular work schedules, and to assist elderly patients with reduced natural melatonin levels.

How does ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET work?

ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET works by supplementing the body's natural melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces to regulate its circadian rhythm, which is the natural day-and-night sleep-wake cycle. By acting on melatonin receptors in the brain, it helps to synchronize this rhythm, promoting easier sleep onset and improving overall sleep quality.

What is the usual dosage for ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET?

The usual dosage of ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET is typically once a day, taken preferably at bedtime. It should be taken on an empty stomach, either at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration based on your specific medical condition. For jet lag, a minimum effective dose for 5 days is often recommended, while for other types of insomnia, it may be taken for about 3 months. It's crucial not to suddenly stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET?

Common side effects of ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. Other reported side effects can include daytime drowsiness, vivid dreams or nightmares, depressed mood, and stomach pain. Most of these side effects are usually temporary and resolve as your body adjusts to the medicine. If any side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor. Rarely, palpitations and weight gain have also been reported.

Is ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET is not recommended during pregnancy, and women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medicine. There is limited information available on its safety in pregnant women. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding, as melatonin can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby. Always consult your doctor for advice if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET can interact with certain other medications. You should avoid taking it simultaneously with fluvoxamine (used for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder). Caution is advised when taking it with cimetidine, estrogens (in contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy), quinolones, carbamazepine, rifampicin, warfarin, midazolam, zolpidem, seizure medicines (as it may increase seizure frequency), and other sedatives, antidepressants, or antipsychotic medications. It is essential to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, herbal preparations, and supplements you are taking to prevent potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET?

Due to potential drowsiness and dizziness, you should avoid driving or operating machinery after taking ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness and may worsen jet lag symptoms. Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. It is important to consult your doctor if you have liver or kidney impairment, epilepsy, an autoimmune disease, diabetes, glaucoma, depression, or heart conditions. This medicine should not be used for daily naps. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding strenuous activity, caffeine, and bright screens before bedtime can also enhance its effectiveness. It is not generally recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age unless specifically prescribed by a doctor for ADHD-related sleep-onset insomnia, and caution is advised in elderly patients over 65.

What happens if a dose of ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET be stored?

ALTONIL 3 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC. It should be protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Always keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Any unused or expired medicine should be discarded properly according to local guidelines, and not flushed down the toilet or thrown into the drain.