Melatonin: From Pharmacokinetics to Clinical Use in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Int J Mol Sci
; 22(3)2021 Feb 02.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33540815
ABSTRACT
The role of melatonin has been extensively investigated in pathophysiological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Reduced melatonin secretion has been reported in ASD and led to many clinical trials using immediate-release and prolonged-release oral formulations of melatonin. However, melatonin's effects in ASD and the choice of formulation type require further study. Therapeutic benefits of melatonin on sleep disorders in ASD were observed, notably on sleep latency and sleep quality. Importantly, melatonin may also have a role in improving autistic behavioral impairments. The objective of this article is to review factors influencing treatment response and possible side effects following melatonin administration. It appears that the effects of exposure to exogenous melatonin are dependent on age, sex, route and time of administration, formulation type, dose, and association with several substances (such as tobacco or contraceptive pills). In addition, no major melatonin-related adverse effect was described in typical development and ASD. In conclusion, melatonin represents currently a well-validated and tolerated treatment for sleep disorders in children and adolescents with ASD. A more thorough consideration of factors influencing melatonin pharmacokinetics could illuminate the best use of melatonin in this population. Future studies are required in ASD to explore further dose-effect relationships of melatonin on sleep problems and autistic behavioral impairments.
Key words
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic
/
Autism Spectrum Disorder
/
Melatonin
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Mol Sci
Year:
2021
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
France