Melatonina + B6

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Melatonina + B6

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Melatonina + B6

Property Description
Active ingredient Melatonin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Form Tablets, Capsules (Oral)
Pharmacological class Chronobiotic Agent, B6 Vitamin
Common use Sleep-Wake Cycle Regulation
Origin Semi-synthetic/Derived Hormone Analogue + Essential Vitamin

What Type of Medicine is Melatonina + B6?

Melatonina + B6 is classified as a fixed-dose combination medication belonging primarily to the pharmacological group of chronobiotic agents, generally grouped under Hypnotics and Sedatives, intended for oral administration. This pharmaceutical preparation is strategically designed to address disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle by combining two distinct, non-narcotic active substances. The Melatonin component is widely recognized for its role in regulating sleep, which means the product's function is to assist in aligning the body's internal timing. It is available for oral administration in forms such as tablets or capsules, defining it as a multi-component solution aimed at stabilizing natural circadian processes. Its status as a fixed-dose combination is a differentiating factor, as it consistently delivers both active ingredients together, offering a synergistic approach distinct from single-component formulations.

Composition: Melatonin, Pyridoxine, and Their Origin

The active ingredients in this combination product are Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6). Melatonin is a tryptamine derivative synthesized commercially as an exogenous hormone analogue, replicating the signaling function of the endogenous hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland. The second component, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, is the essential water-soluble vitamin B6. Pharmacological studies have supported the necessity of Pyridoxine as a coenzyme for metabolic pathways related to nervous system function. This dual-action composition is specific to this formulation: Melatonin focuses on circadian rhythm regulation, while Pyridoxine provides crucial neuro-supportive function, collectively assisting the stability and synchronization of the sleep-wake cycle in scenarios like temporary sleep timing shifts.

What side effects are possible with Melatonina + B6?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile for this combination is formally documented in regulatory sources by classifying potential adverse reactions according to how frequently they have been observed in clinical studies. Adverse effects are systematically grouped by the physiological system or organ they affect, known as System-Organ Classes.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Official labels classify potential reactions based on the following frequency tiers:

Classification Examples of Reactions
Common (Affecting 1 in 100 to 1 in 10) Headache, Somnolence (drowsiness).
Uncommon (Affecting 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 100) Irritability, Anxiety, Dizziness, Hypertension, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Dry skin, Asthenia (fatigue), Weight increased.
Rare (Affecting 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 1,000) Serious blood disorders (e.g., Leucopenia), Angioedema (swelling of the face or tongue), Syncope (fainting), Priapism (prolonged erection), and specific urinary disorders.

Safety Restrictions and Special Populations

Regulatory documents outline specific safety restrictions for certain individuals. The product is formally not recommended for use in patients diagnosed with Severe Hepatic Impairment (severe liver problems) or those with Autoimmune Diseases, due to a lack of clinical data. Use is also generally not recommended for children or adolescents under the age of 18.

General Safety Constraints

The official label includes general constraints on use. The product is contraindicated in cases of known hypersensitivity or allergy to Melatonin, Pyridoxine, or any excipients. Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may enhance the sedative effects. Due to the possibility of somnolence, caution is required if engaging in activities that demand full alertness, such as operating machinery or driving.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

Documented overdose presentations: Acute high ingestion of the Melatonin component may lead to severe somnolence, headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and hypotension. Chronic high-dose exposure to the Pyridoxine component is officially associated with peripheral sensory neuropathy, including paresthesias and ataxia.

Physiological systems affected (as stated in label): The documented effects involve the Central Nervous System (sedation, seizures), Cardiovascular System (hypotension, tachycardia), and the Peripheral Nervous System (neuropathy from B6 toxicity).

Emergency-response statements (as written in official documents): Management requires the use of general symptomatic and supportive measures. Procedures such as gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered, and continuous monitoring of vital signs (respiration, pulse, and blood pressure) is required.

When immediate medical help is required (label-derived phrasing only): Immediate emergency medical attention must be sought if symptoms include difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Individuals must contact a poison control center.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Population-specific overdose notes (if applicable): Regulatory health reporting highlights that pediatric ingestions carry an increased risk of requiring hospitalization or intensive care management due to more serious documented outcomes.

Resulting overdose structure

Official overdose statements:

  • Severe somnolence, confusion, and hypotension are documented signs following high-dose ingestion of the Melatonin component.
  • The onset of difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness mandates the patient seek immediate emergency medical attention.
  • Management is strictly symptomatic and supportive, requiring monitoring of vital signs, with no specific antidote available.

Connection to the overall overdose profile (2–4 sentences): Regulatory documents define the overdose profile by contrasting the acute, mainly sedative and cardiovascular, risks associated with the Melatonin component, which necessitates the immediate contact of emergency services for severe symptoms, against the chronic, neurological risk of peripheral sensory neuropathy from Pyridoxine toxicity. The official instruction is centered on supportive care and continuous monitoring, reflecting the documented absence of a specific reversal agent for the active substances.

Therapeutic Uses of Melatonina + B6

What Melatonina + B6 Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The therapeutic application of Melatonina + B6 is primarily directed at managing symptomatic sleep disturbances that arise from a lack of synchrony in the body's internal clock. The primary therapeutic use is applied in addressing sleep timing disturbances.

It is commonly used for conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations of sleep timing misalignment, such as Jet Lag and Shift Work Disorder, and episodic difficulties in achieving sleep at the desired hour. This use is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, and generally helps patients cope more steadily with the difficult episodes of schedule change.


Quick Fact: Relief for Sleep Timing Disruptions

It is applied in addressing the symptomatic cluster of difficulty falling asleep and fragmented sleep. Beyond the nighttime symptoms, the product is relevant in contexts involving symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain, such as daytime fatigue and reduced alertness.


Indications Summary

It is commonly used across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for conditions like Jet Lag, Shift Work Disorder, and temporary sleep onset difficulties linked to a disturbed rhythm. By easing the overall symptom burden, it contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.

Regulatory References

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at NIH

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Melatonina + B6?

This section summarizes the official population eligibility and restriction criteria for Melatonin, typically found in regulatory documents like the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for licensed European formulations.

Eligibility and Restrictions

Classification Eligible Population Restriction/Status
Primary Eligible Group Adults aged 55 years and over Licensed for short-term treatment of primary insomnia (prolonged-release formulations).
Pediatric Use Children and adolescents (under 18) Safety and efficacy are not established for general use; use is typically restricted to specialist-recommended, specific conditions.

Contraindications (Must NOT Use):

Use of Melatonin is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipients. Certain product formulations are also contraindicated for patients with rare hereditary problems such as galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Populations for Whom Use is Not Recommended:

The medicine is generally not recommended for patients with hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment, or active autoimmune diseases. Additionally, use is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation, and women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interaction Map: Interactions with other medicines and products

Interaction scope

Classification Interacting Agents (Official Regulatory Basis)
Pharmacokinetic Modifiers CYP1A2 Inhibitors (e.g., Fluvoxamine, Cimetidine, Estrogens, Caffeine); CYP1A2 Inducers (Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Tobacco Smoking, St. John’s Wort).
Pharmacodynamic Enhancers CNS Depressants (including benzodiazepine-related hypnotics, Thioridazine, Imipramine); Alcohol (Ethanol); Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin).
Pyridoxine Interactions Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenobarbital, Phenytoin); Levodopa (without a decarboxylase inhibitor).

Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label): Interactions are primarily rooted in CYP1A2 enzyme inhibition or induction, which significantly alters Melatonin’s plasma concentration ( AUC and C max), and pharmacodynamic synergism resulting in enhanced CNS depression.

Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable): Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, such as certain NSAIDs, should be administered at times separate from Melatonin due to their documented ability to suppress endogenous Melatonin levels. Alcohol should not be consumed concurrently with the medicine.

Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable): Patients with documented hepatic impairment are noted to have a greater risk of Melatonin accumulation when combined with CYP1A2 inhibitors, requiring specific caution.

Interaction-related restrictions: Co-administration with the potent CYP1A2 inhibitor Fluvoxamine is generally advised to be avoided by regulatory bodies due to the documented risk of a 17-fold increase in Melatonin exposure. The combination with Alcohol is also advised to be avoided.

Connection to the overall interaction profile: The regulatory interaction profile is primarily defined by the pharmacokinetic instability of Melatonin when combined with potent CYP1A2 modifiers and the risk of additive sedative effects with CNS-depressing substances. These documented statements provide explicit constraints for co-administration, directly defining how specific medicinal products and substances interact with the drug.

Mechanism of Action

Regulation of Circadian Rhythms via MT1/ MT2 Receptors

Melatonina functions as a neurotransmitter analog that selectively binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors, primarily within the suprachiasmatic nucleus ( SCN) of the hypothalamus. This interaction modulates the activity of the central biological clock, inducing a phase-shifting effect and reducing the central alerting drive. This mechanistic cascade leads to predictable physiological adjustments that contribute to the timing of sleep initiation and maintain rhythmicity.


Support for Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Metabolic Pathways

Vitamin B6 ( Pyridoxine) serves as an essential cofactor for numerous enzyme systems, notably decarboxylase enzymes. These enzymes are required for the biosynthesis of inhibitory neurotransmitters, including GABA and serotonin. Furthermore, B6 is critical in amino acid metabolism and the Krebs cycle, which supports the molecular components required for specific biochemical processes in neural tissue, including the biosynthesis of endogenous Melatonina.


Engagement of Antioxidant Defense

Both compounds contribute to mechanisms that limit the impact of oxidative stress on cells. Melatonina is a direct free radical scavenger and also promotes the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase. Vitamin B6, in its active form PLP, contributes to the synthesis of glutathione, supporting a more regulated state within targeted pathways that limits cellular damage.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Melatonina + B6: Official Administration Guidelines

This section outlines the official usage instructions for the Melatonin and Pyridoxine combination, based strictly on prescribing information. The content focuses solely on how the medicine must be taken, without addressing therapeutic benefits or safety information.


Official Administration Protocol

The Melatonina + B6 combination is intended for oral use only. The official instructions define a specific, short-term usage pattern to align with its chronobiotic function.

Administration Detail Official Requirement (Label-Based)
Route of Administration Oral use (Tablets or Capsules).
Standard Dosing Range Typically 2 mg to 3 mg of Melatonin once daily. For Jet Lag, the dose is often 3 mg, or up to 6 mg if needed.
Frequency and Timing Once daily, taken 1 to 2 hours before the intended bedtime.
Intake Condition Must be taken after food.
Required Action Tablets should be swallowed whole with fluid and must not be crushed or chewed (especially for prolonged-release formulations).

Duration and Specific Use Contexts

This medication is officially designated for short-term treatment only. For conditions such as Jet Lag, the duration is typically limited to a maximum of 5 days. Prolonged use must be consistent with the specific product's approved label.

Population-Specific Notes

  • Older Adults (Elderly): No mandatory dose adjustment is typically required.
  • Pediatric Patients: Use in children and adolescents aged 0–18 years is not recommended for general sleep disturbances, unless specifically approved for an alternate indication.

Consistent adherence to the designated daily timing is essential for proper administration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Melatonina + B6

Evidence for Use in Jet Lag

The active ingredient was studied for conditions characterized by temporary physiological imbalance following rapid travel across time zones. The primary evidence base consists of short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and pooled Meta-analyses conducted in generally healthy adult travelers. Research primarily examined outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, such as the overall subjective severity of jet lag symptoms and the timing of sleep onset.

Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations and included findings describing patterns observed in subjective jet lag severity measurements. The reported outcomes were short-term, typically covering a follow-up duration of less than two weeks. The magnitude of the difference was reported as minimal in some published studies.

Evidence for Use in Managing Shift Work and Temporary Sleep Onset Difficulties

The active ingredient was evaluated in Systematic Reviews and controlled trials for exploring changes in sleep patterns in individuals whose schedules disrupt their natural body clock. Research examined reported daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and the duration of Sleep Onset Latency (SOL).

In studies focusing on temporary sleep onset challenges, research explored whether Sleep Onset Latency was shorter in some studied groups. Evidence quality varies across studies for these indications, and research describes that the measured difference in outcomes was reported as minimal in some published studies across various adult groups.

Evidence in Special Populations and Research Gaps

Research has explored outcomes in older adults experiencing primary sleep difficulties and in specific groups of children and adolescents with sleep-related conditions. It is important to understand that the results apply only to the populations studied, and Data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for areas such as pregnant populations.

The evidence is primarily based on the research conducted for Melatonin as a single-active ingredient. Comparative evidence is lacking to clearly define the specific contribution of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) in this fixed-dose combination product for the studied indications.

Key Studies & References National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Melatonin Overview

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Melatonina + B6 (FAQ)

Q: Can Melatonina + B6 cause vivid dreams or nightmares?

Regulatory documents describe vivid dreams or nightmares as potential side effects associated with the active ingredient. Official product information, based on clinical data, describes this possibility.

Q: Is it common to develop tolerance to Melatonina + B6 over time?

Official product information notes that this product is generally designated for short-term use only. Safety reviews, particularly in the context of prolonged use, have noted risks like dependence and withdrawal, which are safety concerns addressed in relation to use over time.

Q: Is there a risk of dependence when taking Melatonina + B6?

Regulatory safety reviews indicate that risks associated with long-term use include the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Official guidance related to long-term use includes safety considerations, which may involve a review of treatment after specific durations.

Q: What is the safety profile of Melatonina + B6 for use in teenagers?

Official instructions state that use in children and adolescents aged 0–18 years is not recommended for general sleep disturbances, as safety and efficacy have not been established for this broad group. However, the product may be specifically approved for an alternate indication following specialist advice.

Q: How does Melatonina + B6 relate to the body's natural sleep-wake cycle?

The active ingredient is classified as a chronobiotic agent, which means it works to regulate the body's internal clock. It functions as a neurotransmitter analog that modulates the central biological clock, inducing a phase-shifting effect that contributes to the natural timing of sleep initiation.

Q: Do you need a prescription from a doctor to get Melatonina + B6?

The regulatory status of this product varies by country and formulation (e.g., immediate-release vs. prolonged-release). Depending on the region's specific regulatory approach, it may be classified and marketed as a dietary supplement, an over-the-counter (OTC) product, or a prescription-only medicine.

Q: How long does it typically take for the effects of Melatonina + B6 to begin?

Official administration instructions define the timing as 1 to 2 hours before the intended bedtime. Clinical studies have found that the active ingredient may result in an average reduction in the time taken to fall asleep, a measurement known as sleep onset latency.

Q: Can Melatonina + B6 be taken during the day?

The product is directed for use once daily, 1 to 2 hours before the intended bedtime to align with its chronobiotic function. Regulatory warnings note that engaging in activities requiring full attention requires caution, due to the risk of drowsiness.

Q: Does Melatonina + B6 cause a 'hangover' feeling the next morning?

Regulatory documents classify Somnolence (drowsiness) and Daytime drowsiness as common side effects of the active ingredient. These effects can persist into the morning and may contribute to a lingering feeling of grogginess or reduced alertness.

Q: Can Melatonina + B6 affect mood or anxiety levels?

Official labels list Irritability and Anxiety as uncommon adverse reactions. Additionally, regulatory information notes that potential adverse effects may include a short-term feeling of depression and mood swings.

Q: Is it possible for Melatonina + B6 to interact with birth control pills?

The interaction map lists Estrogens (a key component of many hormonal contraceptives) as a pharmacokinetic modifier. The listing of Estrogens as a modifier indicates that the combination may alter the active ingredient’s concentration in the body.

Q: Is it true that taking Melatonina + B6 can affect my immune system?

Regulatory documents state the product is not recommended for patients with Autoimmune Diseases. Research also notes the active ingredient's role as an immunomodulatory compound in some studied biological systems.

Q: Is it normal to feel a tingling sensation after taking a B6 supplement with melatonin?

A tingling, burning, or numbness sensation is a known side effect of the Pyridoxine (B6) component, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Regulatory safety advisories note this is typically associated with high doses or prolonged use of B6.

Q: Does Melatonina + B6 have an effect on blood pressure?

The official label lists Hypertension (high blood pressure) as an uncommon adverse reaction associated with use. Clinical studies have also explored the active ingredient's effects on blood pressure regulation, noting that it may interfere with certain antihypertensive agents.

Q: Why do official sources sometimes recommend taking Melatonina + B6 at a specific time?

The specific timing of 1 to 2 hours before bedtime is recommended because the product is a chronobiotic agent. This function works by modulating the body’s central clock, and the precise timing is necessary to initiate the desired phase-shifting effect that supports sleep initiation.

Q: Are there any known food or drink interactions with Melatonina + B6?

Official instructions mandate that the medicine must be taken after food. Furthermore, the consumption of Alcohol is specifically advised to be avoided as it may enhance the sedative effects of the product.

Q: Does Melatonina + B6 help with waking up in the middle of the night?

Research has primarily examined outcomes related to Sleep Onset Latency (the time it takes to fall asleep). The available evidence base is less defined regarding consistent effects on sleep maintenance, which is the ability to stay asleep without waking up in the middle of the night.

Q: What is the mechanism by which B6 is thought to complement melatonin?

Pyridoxine (B6) is considered an essential cofactor for the enzyme systems required for the biosynthesis of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the nervous system. It is also critical for the biosynthesis of the body’s endogenous Melatonina, which is why it is thought to support the overall sleep-wake cycle.

Q: Do official documents mention any potential for withdrawal symptoms if Melatonina + B6 is stopped suddenly?

Regulatory safety reviews note that risks associated with long-term use include the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Official guidance related to long-term use includes safety considerations, which may involve a review of treatment after specific durations.

Q: How long does Melatonina + B6 stay in the body?

Official patient information often does not include the specific rate at which the active ingredient is removed from the body (half-life). The primary instruction given on patient-facing labels is that the product is officially designated for short-term treatment only.

Q: Can I take Melatonina + B6 while also taking common pain relievers?

The official interaction map explicitly mentions NSAIDs (a common class of pain relievers, like ibuprofen) as substances that should be administered at times separate from the active ingredient. This is due to their documented ability to potentially suppress the body's natural Melatonin levels.

Q: What is meant by a 'research benefit' of Melatonina + B6?

A research benefit refers to the specific positive outcomes observed and measured in clinical trials. This may include the overall subjective severity of jet lag symptoms, the duration of Sleep Onset Latency, or the entrainment of circadian rhythms in the studied groups.

Q: What happens if I forget to take Melatonina + B6 at the designated time?

Official patient information and general drug safety advice states that if a dose is missed at the usual time, the patient should skip that dose and not take double or extra doses to make up for the missed one.

Q: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to Melatonina + B6 described in regulatory information?

Regulatory documents list a rare reaction of Angioedema (swelling of the face or tongue). General patient safety guidance describes signs of a serious allergic reaction as including difficulty breathing, sudden confusion, or the appearance of a severe rash.

Q: Can Melatonina + B6 affect energy levels during the day?

Regulatory documents classify Somnolence (drowsiness) and Asthenia (fatigue) as adverse reactions that can affect alertness and energy levels during the day. Regulatory warnings note that engaging in activities requiring full attention requires caution.

How should Melatonina + B6 be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Melatonina + B6?

The storage and disposal of this combination product are governed by official regulatory instructions focused on maintaining stability and environmental protection.

Official Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement (Official Labeling)
Temperature Store at ambient temperature, typically not exceeding 25 C or 30 C.
Protection Protect from light and moisture; store in a dry place.
Packaging Keep in the original, tightly sealed container to maintain quality.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children (Mandatory).

Disposal Instructions

Expiration dates on the package define the product's stable shelf-life. Expired or unused medication must be handled according to local pharmaceutical waste rules. Official guidelines mandate that the product must not be flushed down the toilet or poured into any drain. The recommended disposal method is to use authorized community drug take-back programs.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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