Melatonin Use in Young Children

What are the long-term outcomes (safety and effectiveness) associated with melatonin use in young children?This systematic review of 19 studies found that melatonin prescribing practices, extended use, and overdoses in young children (aged 0-6 years) increased in the past 2 decades. Five interventional trials found that young children with autism spectrum disorder or related conditions fell asleep faster after treatment, but none examined efficacy in children with typical development or measured outcomes beyond 2 years.These findings suggest that medical professionals should discuss behavioral interventions with young children to reduce medication usage and overdose.

Corresponding Author: Chelsea L. Kracht, PhD, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160 (ckracht@kumc.edu).

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