Melatonin
The pineal hormone that signals night to the body and helps time the sleep-wake cycle.
Sold as a dietary supplement in the US.
Look it up on Wikipedia9 listings across 8 independently tested vendors, ranked by price per milligram after coupon codes anyone can use. Vendors you can only order from by message are hidden.
In 503A Category 1: pharmacies may compound it while FDA evaluates it.
Daily price tracking started October 7, 2026; a price-history chart appears here once a few days have been collected.
| Vendor | Trust | Listing | Vials | Price | Per mg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Andy Peps Studio #64 by metascore · China |
MT10 Melatonin 10mg * 10 vials | 10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $52.00 $5.20 per vial |
$0.520 | Buy | |
Baohua Dongnuo Biotechnology BHD #77 by metascore · China |
MT10 Melatonin 10mg * 10 vials | 10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $52.00 $5.20 per vial |
$0.520 | Buy | |
LN Peptides #254 by metascore · China |
Metascore 71Finnrick 72%Bought vials 99% of label · 39 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MT10 Melatonin 10mg * 10 vials | 10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $52.00 $5.20 per vial |
$0.520 | Buy |
BeiBangAn #28 by metascore · China |
MT10 Melatonin 10mg * 10 vials | 10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $52.00 $5.20 per vial |
$0.520 | Buy | |
HkRoids #210 by metascore · US? |
Metascore 72Finnrick 58%Bought vials 102% of label · 73 testsTitrateLabCOA concernsConfirmed with lab: 14 of 14Online checkout |
Melatonin – High-Quality Lyophilized Peptide 10mg (10 vials) Wholesale | 10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $79.00 $7.90 per vial |
$0.790 | Buy |
The lab-results page shows reports issued to other US brands (OPS Aminos, Research Grade Peptides, etc.) with those brands' labelled vials. HKRoids says they are its wholesale customers' tests, but no lot or brand link can be verified. Checked 2026-10-08. How we check | ||||||
Hangzhou Youngpeptide Biotechnology HYB #153 by metascore |
Melatonin 10 mg – 10 Vials | 10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $80.00 $8.00 per vial |
$0.800 | Buy | |
Chimera Peptides #19 by metascore |
Metascore 84Finnrick 87%Bought vials 101% of label · 27 testsTitrateLab · Peptide CriticNo report for thisOnline checkout |
Melatonin 10mg x 20vials 20% off with code (paying with crypto) |
20 × 10 mg = 200 mg | $200.00 20% off with code (paying with crypto) $10.00 per vial |
$1.00 | Buy |
Chimera Peptides #19 by metascore |
Metascore 84Finnrick 87%Bought vials 101% of label · 27 testsTitrateLab · Peptide CriticNo report for thisOnline checkout |
Melatonin 10mg x 10vials 20% off with code (paying with crypto) |
10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $110.00 20% off with code (paying with crypto) $11.00 per vial |
$1.10 | Buy |
PepClub USA #37 by metascore |
Metascore 81 medium confidenceFinnrick 81%Bought vials 87% of label · 4 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout |
MELATONIN 10MG CASE OF 10 VIALS | 10 × 10 mg = 100 mg | $185.00 $18.50 per vial |
$1.85 | Buy |
Mixing a 10 mg vial
What each common amount of bacteriostatic water gives you on a U-100 insulin syringe. Pick a vial size above to change it.
| Water | Strength | Per 10 units (0.1 mL) | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 10 mg/mL | 1,000 mcg | 100 mcg |
| 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg |
| 3 mL | 3.333 mg/mL | 333.3 mcg | 33.33 mcg |
| 5 mL | 2 mg/mL | 200 mcg | 20 mcg |
Doses studied in research Approved drug
What was given to people (or animals) in published studies and official labels, each linked to its source. This is not a recommendation: study products, purity and supervision differ from research-grade vials.
2 mg once daily, 1-2 hours before bedtime and after food; may be continued for up to 13 weeks (oral)
Official labelASD/neurogenetic disorders: starting dose 2 mg, increased to 5 mg if response is inadequate, maximum 10 mg; ADHD: starting dose 1-2 mg, adjustable to 5 mg, maximum 10 mg; once daily 0.5-1 hour before bedtime with or after food (oral)
Official label| Who was studied | Dose given | How often | For how long | What happened | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adults aged 18-80 with primary insomnia (randomized, double-blind) n = 791 |
2 mg prolonged-release melatonin (Circadin) oral | once nightly, 2 hours before bedtime | 3 weeks double-blind, then 26 weeks | sleep latency -15.4 vs -5.5 min with placebo in those aged 55-80 at 3 weeks (not significant in the full 18-80 group); no rebound or withdrawal on stopping | PubMed |
| adults aged 55-80 with insomnia in primary care n = 354 |
2 mg prolonged-release melatonin (Circadin) oral | once daily, 2 hours before bedtime | 3 weeks | responders (better sleep quality and morning alertness) 26% vs 15% placebo; sleep latency -24.3 vs -12.9 min | PubMed |
| outpatients aged 55 or over with primary insomnia (multicentre) n = 170 |
2 mg prolonged-release melatonin oral | nightly | 3 weeks | improved self-rated sleep quality and morning alertness vs placebo; no rebound insomnia or withdrawal effects | PubMed |
| children and adolescents aged 2-17.5 with autism spectrum disorder or Smith-Magenis syndrome and insomnia n = 125 |
2 mg escalated to 5 mg pediatric prolonged-release minitablets oral | nightly | 13 weeks | total sleep time +57.5 min vs +9.1 min with placebo; sleep latency -39.6 vs -12.5 min | PubMed |
| children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who completed the 13-week trial (open-label extension) n = 80 |
2, 5 or 10 mg pediatric prolonged-release melatonin oral | nightly | up to 104 weeks | sleep improvements maintained; growth, BMI and pubertal development within normal ranges | PubMed |
| adults over 50, with and without insomnia (crossover) n = 30 |
0.1, 0.3 and 3.0 mg (immediate-release) vs placebo oral | nightly, 30 min before bedtime | 1 week per dose with 1-week washouts | 0.3 mg restored sleep efficiency in insomniacs and raised plasma melatonin to normal night levels; 3.0 mg also improved sleep but caused hypothermia and daytime-elevated melatonin | PubMed |
Melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement in the US and is not FDA-approved as a drug; the labels above are EU (EMA) prescription products. A meta-analysis of sleep trials compared commonly used schedules such as 2 mg 30 minutes before bedtime with higher, earlier doses (PMID 38888087).
What the research says
Melatonin has a large body of RCTs and meta-analyses showing modest improvements in sleep onset latency, total sleep time and jet lag; benefits are small, and some analyses (adult chronic insomnia, dementia, network meta-analysis vs hypnotics) find no material benefit.
Key papers ✓ 4✗ 2~ 2
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Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders.Humans1,683 people19 studies pooledRandomized trialsMeta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
19 RCTs (1,683 people) with primary sleep disorders: melatonin shortened sleep latency by ~7 min, increased total sleep by ~8 min and improved sleep quality; effects modest.
Key resultSleep latency reduced by WMD = 7.06 minutes (95% CI 4.37 to 9.75, p<0.001); total sleep time increased by 8.25 minutes (95% CI 1.74 to 14.75, p = 0.013)
Study details
- Studied
- Adults and children with primary sleep disorders
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Sleep latency, sleep quality, total sleep time
- Sample
- 19 studies, 1683 subjects
- Authors' conclusion
- Melatonin decreases sleep onset latency, increases total sleep time and improves sleep quality; effects are modest but do not appear to dissipate with continued use, and are smaller than other pharmacological insomnia treatments.
- Limitations
- Effects are modest in absolute terms.
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Optimizing the Time and Dose of Melatonin as a Sleep-Promoting Drug: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.Humans26 RCTs, 1689 observations26 RCTs pooledSystematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of double-blind RCTs
Dose-response meta-analysis of 26 RCTs: melatonin reduced sleep onset latency and increased total sleep time, with effect peaking around 4 mg/day and when taken earlier before bed.
Key resultMelatonin effect on sleep onset latency and total sleep time peaked at 4 mg/day in dose-response analysis; insomnia status was a significant predictor of sleep onset latency (beta = 0.50, p < 0.001)
Study details
- Studied
- Patients with insomnia and healthy volunteers
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Sleep onset latency and total sleep time (standardized mean difference)
- Authors' conclusion
- Earlier administration (3 h before desired bedtime) and a 4 mg/day dose, compared with the commonly used 2 mg 30 min before bedtime, might optimize melatonin's sleep-promoting efficacy.
- Limitations
- Suggestion derived from meta-regression and dose-response modelling of heterogeneous trials.
-
Efficacy of melatonin and ramelteon for the acute and long-term management of insomnia disorder in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Humans4,875 people22 studies pooledSystematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA)
22 studies in insomnia disorder: prolonged-release melatonin gave small-to-medium improvements in sleep onset latency (~5–6 min) and sleep efficiency vs placebo.
Key resultProlonged-release melatonin vs placebo: subjective sleep onset latency weighted difference = -6.30 min (p = 0.031); objective sleep onset latency -5.05 min (p < 0.001)
Study details
- Studied
- Adults with insomnia disorder
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time
- Sample
- 22 studies, 4875 participants (925 melatonin, 1804 ramelteon, 2297 placebo)
- Authors' conclusion
- Prolonged-release melatonin and ramelteon appear efficacious versus placebo for insomnia symptoms; melatonin effects are mostly small to medium, larger for mean age 55 or older and for ramelteon.
- Limitations
- Low level of evidence noted; most studies evaluated acute efficacy of prolonged-release melatonin.
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Is melatonin useful for jet lag?Humanssize not reported11 trials pooledRandomized trialsMeta-analysis of randomized trials identified via Epistemonikos, GRADE summary of findings
Pooled 11 randomized trials: oral melatonin probably reduces jet lag symptoms; adverse effects unclear but probably mild.
Study details
- Studied
- Travelers with jet lag syndrome
- Main outcome
- Jet lag symptoms
- Sample
- 4 systematic reviews including 11 randomized trials
- Authors' conclusion
- Oral melatonin probably reduces symptoms associated with jet lag syndrome; unclear whether it produces adverse effects, but they would probably be mild.
- Limitations
- Abstract gives no numerical results.
-
Comparative effects of pharmacological interventions for the acute and long-term management of insomnia disorder in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Humanssize not reported170 trials pooledRandomized trialsSystematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs
Lancet network meta-analysis of 154 RCTs of insomnia drugs: melatonin did not show overall material benefit and was less effective than benzodiazepines and Z-drugs.
Key resultBenzodiazepines, eszopiclone, zolpidem and zopiclone were more efficacious than melatonin, ramelteon and zaleplon (SMD 0·27-0·71)
Study details
- Studied
- Adults with insomnia disorder
- Compared with
- Placebo and other drugs
- Main outcome
- Sleep quality, discontinuation, adverse events
- Sample
- 170 trials (47 950 participants); 154 RCTs (44 089 participants) in the network meta-analysis
- Authors' conclusion
- Melatonin, ramelteon and non-licensed drugs did not show overall material benefits.
- Limitations
- Certainty of evidence for many comparisons was low or very low.
-
Efficacy of melatonin for chronic insomnia: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Humans24 randomized controlled trialsRandomized trialsSystematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs with age-group subgroups
24 RCTs in chronic insomnia: melatonin was not significantly effective in adults but improved sleep onset and duration in children and adolescents.
Study details
- Studied
- Patients with chronic insomnia (including 4 studies of comorbid insomnia)
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Sleep onset latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep quality
- Authors' conclusion
- Melatonin did not appear effective in adults but might be effective in children and adolescents with chronic insomnia; more studies are needed by age group.
- Limitations
- Heterogeneity between trials; only one adult study in comorbid insomnia.
-
Pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in dementia.Humans9 RCTs; melatonin 5 studies, n = 2229 RCTs pooled8 to 10 weeks for melatoninCochrane systematic review of drug vs placebo RCTs
Cochrane review of people with Alzheimer's dementia: melatonin up to 10 mg had little or no effect on any major sleep outcome; no serious adverse effects reported.
Key resultMelatonin total nocturnal sleep time MD 10.68 minutes (95% CI -16.22 to 37.59; 2 studies, n = 184)
Study details
- Studied
- People with dementia and sleep disturbance
- Compared with
- Placebo
- Main outcome
- Total nocturnal sleep time and other sleep outcomes
- Authors' conclusion
- No evidence of beneficial effects of melatonin (up to 10 mg); low-certainty evidence. Trazodone and orexin antagonists showed some benefit in small trials; larger trials are needed.
- Limitations
- Few small trials; only four studies systematically assessed adverse effects.
-
Safety of higher doses of melatonin in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Humans3,861 people79 studies pooledRandomized trialsSystematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Safety review of high-dose (≥10 mg) melatonin RCTs: no detectable increase in serious adverse events, but more adverse events such as drowsiness, headache and dizziness (rate ratio 1.40).
Key resultIn 4 low-risk-of-bias studies, no detectable increase in serious AEs (Rate Ratio = 0.88 [0.52, 1.50], p = .64) but increased AEs such as drowsiness, headache and dizziness (1.40 [1.15, 1.69], p < .001)
Study details
- Studied
- Adults over 30 years given high-dose melatonin (10 mg or more) across medical conditions
- Main outcome
- Adverse events, serious adverse events, withdrawals due to adverse events
- Sample
- 79 studies, 3861 participants
- Authors' conclusion
- Based on limited evidence, melatonin appears to have a good safety profile; better safety reporting in long-term trials is needed.
- Limitations
- 29 studies (37%) did not report AEs; only four met low risk of bias; confidence limits very wide.
Reported side effects
- reportedDrowsiness, headache and dizziness (higher-dose use) [ref]
Serious adverse events were not increased in pooled trials, but adverse-event reporting in melatonin trials is often incomplete.
283 registered human trials (54 active)
✓ positive · ✗ negative · ~ mixed · ? inconclusive, judged on each paper's own main outcome. Grades: A strong human evidence → D little or none. Papers and verdicts are drawn from PubMed, Europe PMC and Russian journals (CyberLeninka); not medical advice.
Registered clinical trials 283 on ClinicalTrials.gov · 54 active · 132 completed · 32 with posted results
| Trial | Status | Phase | People | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melatonin and Risk Of Cardiovascular Events And Malignant Tumors In The Elderly NCT04631341 · started 2021-01-01 |
Not yet recruiting | – | 10,000 | RenJi Hospital |
| Effect of Preoperative Sleep Intervention on Postoperative Delirium in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery NCT06777342 · started 2025-02-01 |
Not yet recruiting | – | 1,281 | Yan Fuxia |
| A SMART Approach to Evaluating the Benefits of Common Prescription and OTC Medications for Insomnia NCT07542756 · started 2026-05-01 |
Recruiting | Phase 4 | 1,200 | University of Pennsylvania |
| Melatonin for Prevention of Kidney Injury NCT05084196 · started 2023-06-05 |
Recruiting | Phase 3 | 300 | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey |
| Melatonin for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain NCT06859957 · started 2025-04-11 |
Active, not recruiting | Phase 3 | 222 | Bart Koes |
| Melatonin vs Midazolam in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy NCT07336095 · started 2026-03-01 |
Not yet recruiting | Phase 3 | 195 | Ain Shams University |
| The Basel BOMP-AID Randomized Trial NCT03438526 · started 2022-01-03 |
Recruiting | Phase 4 | 190 | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland |
| Melatonin and Solifenacin for Double-J Ureteral Stent Symptoms NCT07617922 · started 2026-05-07 |
Recruiting | Phase 2 | 189 | Beni-Suef University |
| Efficacy of Chronotherapeutic Combination for Major Depressive Episode With Insomnia NCT07120880 · started 2026-01-28 |
Recruiting | Phase 3 | 184 | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris |
| Efficacy of CBT-I With Adjuvant Melatonin in Older Adults Chronic Insomnia NCT07695246 · started 2026-08-01 |
Recruiting | – | 183 | The University of Hong Kong |
| Combination Therapy for Treatment of Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Advanced Cancer NCT05474846 · started 2022-11-21 |
Active, not recruiting | Phase 2, Phase 3 | 169 | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| Effects of Melatonin on Excessive Crying in Neonates. A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. NCT07442162 · started 2026-02-23 |
Enrolling by invitation | Phase 1, Phase 2 | 165 | Al-Hadba university |
All 283 Melatonin trials, with countries and summaries · Search ClinicalTrials.gov · Recruiting trials for every peptide
Discussions elsewhere
Experiences and questions about Melatonin on other sites. Treat anecdotes with care.
Melatonin: questions people ask
What is Melatonin?
Hormone (not a peptide). The pineal hormone that signals night to the body and helps time the sleep-wake cycle.
How much does Melatonin cost?
The cheapest Melatonin from an independently tested vendor is $0.520 per mg (Andy Peps Studio, MT10 Melatonin 10mg * 10 vials, $52.00). Across 9 listings from 8 vendors the median is $0.790 per mg.
Where can I buy Melatonin?
8 vendors tested by Finnrick sell Melatonin. The cheapest per mg right now: Andy Peps Studio ($0.520), Baohua Dongnuo Biotechnology BHD ($0.520), LN Peptides ($0.520). 0 of them publish a lab report (COA) for Melatonin; compare lab scores and reports in the table above before buying.
How much bacteriostatic water for 10 mg of Melatonin?
Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial of Melatonin gives 5 mg/mL: each 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe holds 500 mcg. With 1 mL it's 10 mg/mL (1,000 mcg per 10 units); with 3 mL, 3.333 mg/mL (333.3 mcg per 10 units). More water makes small amounts easier to measure. Mixing charts: 10 mg.
Is Melatonin FDA approved?
Sold as a dietary supplement in the US.
Can Melatonin be compounded in the US?
In 503A Category 1: pharmacies may compound it while FDA evaluates it. Compounding status for every peptide.
Does Melatonin work? What does the research say?
Evidence grade A (strong human evidence), from 8 papers: Multiple meta-analyses of RCTs (thousands of people) show modest, consistent gains in sleep onset and jet lag; benefit in adult chronic insomnia is small or absent. Melatonin has a large body of RCTs and meta-analyses showing modest improvements in sleep onset latency, total sleep time and jet lag; benefits are small, and some analyses (adult chronic insomnia, dementia, network meta-analysis vs hypnotics) find no material benefit. See the papers.
Are there clinical trials of Melatonin?
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 283 registered trials of Melatonin: 54 active, 132 completed, 55 in phase 3, 32 with posted results. Examples: Melatonin and Risk Of Cardiovascular Events And Malignant Tumors In The Elderly (Not yet recruiting, 10,000 people); Effect of Preoperative Sleep Intervention on Postoperative Delirium in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery (Not yet recruiting, 1,281 people); A SMART Approach to Evaluating the Benefits of Common Prescription and OTC Medications for Insomnia (Recruiting, Phase 4, 1,200 people).
What dose of Melatonin was used in studies?
Melatonin is an approved drug. Circadin (melatonin 2 mg prolonged-release tablets; EU): 2 mg once daily, 1-2 hours before bedtime and after food; may be continued for up to 13 weeks; Slenyto (melatonin 1 mg and 5 mg prolonged-release tablets; EU): ASD/neurogenetic disorders: starting dose 2 mg, increased to 5 mg if response is inadequate, maximum 10 mg; ADHD: starting dose 1-2 mg, adjustable to 5 mg, maximum 10 mg; once daily 0.5-1 hour before bedtime with or after food; adults aged 18-80 with primary insomnia (randomized, double-blind): 2 mg prolonged-release melatonin (Circadin) once nightly, 2 hours before bedtime. These are amounts used in published studies or official labels, not a recommendation.
What are the side effects of Melatonin?
Reported in the research: Drowsiness, headache and dizziness (higher-dose use). Serious adverse events were not increased in pooled trials, but adverse-event reporting in melatonin trials is often incomplete.