Mecastrin
Mecastrin is a medicine containing melatonin, a natural hormone, used for short-term treatment of primary insomnia in people 55 years and older.
Form
depottabletti
Strength
2 mg
Active Ingredient
Melatonin
Manufacturer
Orifarm Generics A/S
How to Use
Dosage
Take one Mecastrin 2 mg tablet once a day.
Method
Take it after food, 1-2 hours before you go to bed. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or split it.
Important
Do not take more than one tablet (2 mg) per day. Treatment can last up to 13 weeks.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Chest pain
- •Irritability
- •Nervousness
- •Restlessness
- •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- •Abnormal dreams
- •Nightmares
- •Anxiety
- •Migraine
- •Headache
- •Lethargy (feeling tired, lack of energy)
- •Restlessness with increased activity
- •Dizziness
- •Drowsiness (sleepiness)
- •High blood pressure
- •Upper stomach pain
- •Indigestion or stomach upset
- •Mouth ulcers
- •Dry mouth
- •Nausea (feeling sick)
- •Changes in blood tests that might make your skin or eyes look yellow
- •Skin inflammation
- •Night sweats
- •Itching
- •Rash
- •Dry skin
- •Pain in arms and legs
- •Menopausal symptoms
- •Feeling of weakness
- •Sugar in urine
- •Too much protein in urine
- •Abnormal liver function
- •Weight gain
RARE
- •Unconsciousness or fainting
- •Severe chest pain due to angina
- •Palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat)
- •Depression
- •Blurred vision or decreased sharpness of vision
- •Confusion or not knowing where you are
- •Dizziness or spinning sensation (vertigo)
- •Red blood cells in urine
- •Low white blood cell count
- •Low platelet count, which increases risk of bleeding or bruising
- •Psoriasis (a skin condition)
- •Shingles (herpes zoster)
- •High blood fat levels
- •Low blood calcium levels
- •Low blood sodium levels
- •Mood changes
- •Aggression
- •Agitation
- •Crying spells
- •Stress symptoms
- •Waking up too early in the morning
- •Increased sexual desire
- •Low mood
- •Memory problems
- •Trouble paying attention
- •Feeling like you're in a dream
- •Restless legs syndrome
- •Poor sleep quality
- •Tingling or numbness
- •More tears or watery eyes
- •Dizziness when standing up or sitting down
- •Hot flashes
- •Acid reflux or heartburn
- •Stomach or gut problems
- •Blisters in the mouth
- •Sores on the tongue
- •Stomach discomfort
- •Vomiting
- •Unusual bowel sounds
- •Gas or bloating
- •Too much saliva
- •Bad breath
- •Inflammation of the stomach lining
- •Redness of the skin
- •Skin rash on hands
- •Itchy rash
- •Nail problems
- •Joint inflammation (arthritis)
- •Muscle cramps or spasms
- •Neck pain
- •Night cramps
- •A long-lasting, sometimes painful erection (priapism)
- •Prostate gland inflammation
- •Fatigue
- •Pain
- •Thirst
- •Urinating a lot
- •Urinating at night
- •High liver enzyme levels in blood
- •Abnormal blood salt levels and unusual lab test results
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to melatonin or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- If you have liver or kidney problems, talk to your doctor before taking Mecastrin.
- If your doctor has told you that you have sugar intolerance, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If you have an autoimmune disease (when your body's immune system attacks itself), talk to your doctor before taking Mecastrin.
- This medicine can make you sleepy. Do not drive or use machines if you feel sleepy.
Show 4 more warnings
- Smoking can make Mecastrin less effective.
- Do not give this medicine to children or teenagers under 18 years old.
- Do not use Mecastrin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning to get pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Do not drink alcohol before, during, or after taking Mecastrin, as it can make the medicine less effective.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category A
Suitable for older adults. Has fewer adverse effects than benzodiazepines andrelated drugs. Non-pharmacological methods are the first-line treatment for insomnia. (updated 18.3.2024)