Patient-level analysis of the cost and variation in melatonin prescribing patterns in those under 18 in the North East of England.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Melatonin is widely used to promote sleep in both normally developing children and adolescents and those with neurodevelopmental disorders. It has an evidence base as both hypnotic and chronobiotic although the optimum dose and timing remain unclear. There are now a wide variety of different preparations of melatonin both immediate and prolonged release. We reviewed annual national and regional prescribing data and undertook a detailed review of one year of melatonin prescriptions issued to those under 18 within one of the UK's dedicated paediatric hospitals, this included a cost analysis. This was to understand whether prescribing was appropriate, whether behavioural therapies had been recommended first and whether there had been consideration of other causes of poor sl

SUBMITTER: McLellan EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11624823 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature