Question
Posted on: March 6 2013A solution of melatonin for oral administration?
Is there a standardized formula of a melatonin drink? We need this for a baby of 11 months. For the time being, we make capsules with 0.5 mg of melatonin per capsule administered via a gastric probe.
Answer
Melatonin itself is very little soluble in water. This low solubility can be increased by e.g. ethanol and propylene glycol. I cannot recommend the use of these 2 solvents in a 12-month-old baby as they are already strongly discouraged in children. Solutions in oil are possible but are you going to get this swallowed?
so, in fact, only the preparation of a suspension remains. I found in IJPC a composition of a suspension 3mg/5ml:
One can assume a modified number of tablets of melatonin or of the Pure raw material. After grinding the tablets, the powder mass or pure raw material is vigorously mixed with 5 ml Ora plus in a mortar. Thereafter, the remaining amount of Ora plus is added very slowly under continuous blending. This mixture is poured into a measuring glass. The mortar is rinsed twice with 75 ml of Ora sweet, which is poured into the gauge glass.
so, in fact, only the preparation of a suspension remains. I found in IJPC a composition of a suspension 3mg/5ml:
R/Melatonin 180mgPreparation method:
Ora plus 150ml
Ora Sweet 150ml
One can assume a modified number of tablets of melatonin or of the Pure raw material. After grinding the tablets, the powder mass or pure raw material is vigorously mixed with 5 ml Ora plus in a mortar. Thereafter, the remaining amount of Ora plus is added very slowly under continuous blending. This mixture is poured into a measuring glass. The mortar is rinsed twice with 75 ml of Ora sweet, which is poured into the gauge glass.
Storage: in the refrigerator.
Note:
of course, the contents of the capsules could be mixed with semi-solid foods...