altonil 3mg tablet - Melatonin (3mg) medicine

Altonil 3mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety

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🏭 Alteus Biogenics Pvt Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 23, 2026
🤰 Pregnancy Category Not established from the available information. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Moderate to well-established for sleep-onset insomnia and jet lag.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 23, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
  • Extreme drowsiness or confusion
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is altonil 3mg tablet used for?

This medicine contains melatonin 3mg, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. It is used to treat sleep-onset insomnia, jet lag, and shift-work sleep disorder. Take it 30-60 minutes before bedtime as prescribed by your doctor.

  • Generic Name: Melatonin
  • Manufacturer: Alteus Biogenics Pvt Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 altonil 3mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा मेलाटोनिन 3mg की टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग नींद न आने की समस्या, जेट लैग और शिफ्ट वर्क स्लीप डिसऑर्डर के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह शरीर की प्राकृतिक नींद-जागने की चक्र को नियमित करने में मदद करती है। इसे सोने से 30 से 60 मिनट पहले लेना चाहिए।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में दिन में नींद आना, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और जी मिचलाना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको एलर्जी, सांस लेने में कठिनाई या चेहरे पर सूजन हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। इसे सोने से पहले लें और दिन में न लें। शराब का सेवन न करें। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। बच्चों को बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के न दें।

💡 Did You Know? The first generic medicine was introduced in India in 1970 after the Patents Act was amended.

💊 altonil 3mg tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Sleep-onset insomnia","description":"Helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep in adults with difficulty initiating sleep.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Jet lag","description":"Helps reset the sleep-wake cycle after rapid travel across multiple time zones.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Shift-work sleep disorder","description":"May improve daytime sleep quality in people who work night shifts.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Delayed sleep phase syndrome","description":"May help shift sleep timing earlier in people whose natural sleep cycle is delayed.","evidence":"Moderate"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Tension-type headache prophylaxis","description":"Sometimes used off-label to reduce headache frequency, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at night","description":"Occasionally used to improve night-time reflux symptoms, but not a standard treatment.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Sleep-onset insomnia

Also treats: Jet lag, Shift-work sleep disorder, Delayed sleep phase syndrome

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Melatonin
Brand NameAltonil
ManufacturerAlteus Biogenics Pvt Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassOTHERS
Action ClassMelatonin agonist
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime for best results.
2
Avoid taking this medicine during the day as it can cause drowsiness.
3
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this medicine.
4
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it increases drowsiness.
5
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to enhance the effect of this medicine.
6
Consult your doctor if sleep problems persist beyond 7 to 10 days.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Difficulty falling asleep
This medicine is commonly prescribed for this.
Likely Use
Jet lag
This medicine helps reset the sleep-wake cycle.
Likely Use
Fever
This medicine is not a fever reducer.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionMelatonin is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The exact absorption rate can vary between individuals.
DistributionMelatonin is distributed widely in the body and can cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. It is also found in breast milk.
Protein BindingApproximately 60% of melatonin is bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismMelatonin is primarily metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP1A2 and CYP2C19.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of melatonin is approximately 1 to 2 hours.
ExcretionMelatonin and its metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine.
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of melatonin is approximately 15% due to first-pass metabolism.
Onset of ActionThis medicine usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma levels are reached approximately 1 hour after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe effects of this medicine generally last for about 4 to 6 hours.

How It Works

This medicine contains melatonin, which is a naturally occurring hormone that binds to melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in the brain. By activating these receptors, it helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm and promotes the onset of sleep. It does not act as a strong sedative but rather helps synchronise the internal clock with the external day-night cycle.

Mechanism Steps

1
Binding to melatonin receptors: Melatonin in this medicine binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain.
2
Regulation of circadian rhythm: This binding helps reset the body's internal clock and signals that it is time to sleep.
3
Promotion of sleep onset: The result is a faster transition to sleep and improved sleep quality in people with sleep-onset problems.

💡 How to Take altonil 3mg tablet

Strength: Melatonin 3mg immediate-release tablet

1Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
2Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3Take it 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to sleep.
4Do not crush or chew the tablet unless your doctor advises.
5Avoid taking it during the day.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is 3mg taken orally 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. However, the dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. For jet lag, the timing may be adjusted by your doctor.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. A lower dose may be recommended by your doctor. Use with caution due to increased risk of falls.
Renal ImpairmentDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney disease. Consult your doctor.
Hepatic ImpairmentDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose is 3mg, but this may vary based on your doctor's prescription.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With or without food
Can be taken with or without food
Food does not significantly affect absorption.
Caffeine
Avoid near bedtime
Caffeine can counteract the sleep-promoting effects.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of altonil 3mg tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Daytime drowsiness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. Consult your doctor if it persists.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid falls.
Nausea (Uncommon (1-5%))
Take with a small snack if it bothers you.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Allergic reaction (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice rash, itching, swelling of face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Severe drowsiness or confusion (Rare (<0.1%))
Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Mood changes or irritability
Consult your doctor if you notice persistent mood changes.
Vivid dreams or nightmares
Usually harmless, but discuss with your doctor if distressing.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Fluvoxamine Major
Warfarin Major
Cimetidine Moderate
Estrogens Moderate
Rifampicin Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Fluvoxamine
  • Warfarin

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Cimetidine
  • Estrogens

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to melatonin or any component of this medicine","Autoimmune disorders (melatonin may stimulate the immune system)","Severe liver disease","Severe kidney disease"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this medicine.","Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.","Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.","Do not use in children without a doctor's advice.","Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures.","Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of falls."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Melatonin is excreted in breast milk. It is not known if this medicine is safe during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

💊 Overdose Management

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is still close to bedtime. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Do not crush or chew the tablet unless your doctor advises otherwise. Avoid taking this medicine during the day because it can make you feel sleepy and disrupt your natural sleep cycle. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and impair your coordination. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, especially sedatives, antidepressants, or blood thinners. Do not stop this medicine suddenly if you have been taking it for a long time; your doctor may advise a gradual reduction. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. A lower dose may be recommended. Use with caution due to increased risk of falls and confusion.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant. The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not established.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine after surgery, as it may interact with anaesthetics or other medications.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may cause drowsiness and interact with sedatives used during dental procedures.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
🥗
Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
😴
Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
💧
Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
🧘
Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
🌞
Exercise regularly but not too close to bedtime.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime as it may interfere with sleep. If you feel drowsy after taking this medicine, do not exercise until the effect wears off.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include foods rich in tryptophan like milk, bananas, and oats.
Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking it. It may affect your ability to perform tasks that require alertness. Plan your work schedule accordingly.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you experience any serious side effects or if your sleep problems do not improve after 7 to 10 days. Do not stop suddenly if you have been taking it for a long time without consulting your doctor.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine is not well studied. It is generally recommended for short-term use. If you need it for more than a few weeks, consult your doctor to rule out underlying sleep disorders and to monitor for any side effects.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

A structured program to improve sleep habits and thoughts.

Evidence: Well-established
Relaxation techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.

Evidence: Moderate

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

Not established from the available information.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the timing of your dose to help reset your sleep cycle. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old software engineer with chronic sleep-onset insomnia
He started taking this medicine as prescribed by his doctor. Within a week, he noticed he was falling asleep faster and waking up refreshed. He made sure to take it at the same time every night and avoided caffeine after 4 PM.
💡 Lesson: Consistency and good sleep hygiene improve the effectiveness of this medicine.
👤 A 50-year-old frequent flyer with jet lag
She took this medicine at bedtime after arriving in a new time zone. It helped her adjust her sleep cycle within two days. She also avoided alcohol and kept her room dark.
💡 Lesson: This medicine can help reset the body clock when travelling across time zones.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it.

Q: Can I take it every night?

A: It is generally recommended for short-term use. Consult your doctor if you need it for more than a few weeks.

Q: Is it safe for children?

A: Pediatric dosing is not established. Consult a pediatrician before giving this medicine to a child.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for altonil 3mg tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: Melatonin is a sleeping pill.
    Fact: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep timing, not a sedative that forces sleep.
  • Myth: Melatonin is safe for everyone.
    Fact: Melatonin may not be safe for pregnant women, children, or people with certain medical conditions.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Melatonin 3mg tablet

Brand Alternatives

  • Altonil 3mg tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Altonil 3mg tablet","strength":"3mg","release":"Immediate release","use":"Sleep-onset insomnia"},{"medicine":"Melatonin 5mg tablet","strength":"5mg","release":"Immediate release","use":"Sleep-onset insomnia"}]

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