Circadin Tablets 2mg for Insomnia
Circadin tablets 2mg contain melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate the sleep–wake cycle.
Circadin is a prolonged-release prescription medicine licensed in the UK for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterised by poor-quality sleep in adults aged 55 years and over.
Its prolonged-release formulation gradually releases melatonin after administration.
Circadin is not an over-the-counter sleeping supplement. A valid prescription and appropriate clinical assessment are required.
Explore our Sleep Aid Tablets UK category for related sleep-health information.
What Are Circadin Tablets?
Circadin is a branded melatonin medicine manufactured as a 2mg prolonged-release tablet.
Melatonin is naturally secreted by the pineal gland, primarily during darkness. It contributes to the body’s circadian rhythm, which influences sleeping and waking patterns.
Circadin is designed to release melatonin gradually rather than immediately.
Circadin 2mg Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | Circadin |
| Active ingredient | Melatonin |
| Strength | 2mg per tablet |
| Formulation | Prolonged-release tablet |
| Administration | Oral |
| UK classification | Prescription-only medicine |
| Licensed indication | Short-term treatment of primary insomnia in adults aged 55+ |
| Tablet appearance | White to off-white, round tablet |
| Contains lactose | Yes |
What Are Circadin Tablets Used For?
Circadin is licensed for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia in patients aged 55 years and over.
Primary insomnia refers to sleeping difficulties without an identified underlying medical, mental-health, or environmental cause.
Symptoms may include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, and poor subjective sleep quality.
Circadin should be used only where a healthcare professional considers it clinically appropriate.
How Does Circadin Melatonin Work?
Melatonin helps signal the biological timing of sleep.
Natural melatonin production generally increases in the evening as light levels decrease.
Circadin provides melatonin in a prolonged-release formulation intended to mimic aspects of the body’s normal overnight melatonin profile.
Its effects differ from those of conventional sedative hypnotics.
Circadin 2mg Dosage and Administration
According to the product information, the recommended adult dosage for the licensed indication is:
- One 2mg tablet once daily.
- Taken one to two hours before bedtime.
- Taken after food.
- Treatment may continue for up to 13 weeks when prescribed.
Important: Follow the directions provided by your prescriber. Circadin tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or divided because this affects their prolonged-release properties.
Possible Side Effects of Circadin
Circadin may cause adverse effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Reported effects include:
- Headache
- Daytime drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Unusual dreams
- Changes in mood
Seek medical advice for persistent or concerning symptoms. Severe allergic reactions require emergency medical attention.
Circadin Precautions and Interactions
Before using Circadin, inform your prescriber about existing medical conditions and all medicines or supplements you take.
Particular care is needed with:
- Liver or kidney conditions
- Autoimmune conditions
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Medicines that cause drowsiness
- Fluvoxamine and certain other interacting medicines
- Alcohol consumption
Circadin contains lactose and may be unsuitable for people with certain rare hereditary disorders affecting lactose metabolism.
Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience drowsiness.
Circadin vs Herbal Sleep Supplements
Circadin is a licensed medicine containing a defined 2mg dose of melatonin.
Herbal sleep supplements generally contain plant extracts or nutritional ingredients and are subject to different regulatory requirements.
The two categories should not be considered interchangeable.
Related Sleep Health Resources
Learn more through the following pages:
- Sleep Aid Tablets UK — Sleep medicines and related educational resources.
- Affordable Tablets UK Homepage — Browse health information and product categories.
- NHS Melatonin Side Effects — Official safety information.
- Circadin Patient Information Leaflet — Manufacturer-approved patient guidance.
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