Altonil LS 10mg/0.25mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
- Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking up
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Seizures or severe tremors after stopping the medicine
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe dizziness or fainting
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is altonil ls 10mg/0.25mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of melatonin 10 mg and clonazepam 0.25 mg used for short-term treatment of insomnia, especially when anxiety is a factor. It works by helping to reset the sleep-wake cycle and calming overactive brain signals. It should be taken at bedtime and is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence.
- Generic Name: Melatonin (10mg) + Clonazepam (0.25mg)
- Manufacturer: Alteus Biogenics Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 altonil ls 10mg/0.25mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मेलाटोनिन 10 मिलीग्राम और क्लोनाजेपाम 0.25 मिलीग्राम का संयोजन है। इसका उपयोग नींद न आने की समस्या (अनिद्रा) के अल्पकालिक इलाज के लिए किया जाता है, खासकर जब चिंता या तनाव के कारण नींद न आ रही हो। यह दवा दिमाग को शांत करने और शरीर की आंतरिक घड़ी को नियंत्रित करने में मदद करती है। यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ही लेनी चाहिए और लंबे समय तक नहीं लेनी चाहिए क्योंकि इसकी आदत पड़ सकती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में दिन में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, थकान, सिरदर्द, मुँह सूखना और ध्यान केंद्रित करने में कठिनाई शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को याददाश्त की समस्या, भ्रम, या मतली भी हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन इनमें सांस लेने में कठिनाई, गंभीर एलर्जी, और आत्मघाती विचार शामिल हो सकते हैं। अगर आपको कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, आमतौर पर सोने से पहले। अपनी मर्जी से दवा की मात्रा न बढ़ाएँ। इस दवा के साथ शराब बिल्कुल न लें क्योंकि इससे गंभीर नींद और सांस की समस्या हो सकती है। दवा लेने के बाद गाड़ी न चलाएँ और मशीनरी से दूर रहें। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही हैं, या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। लंबे समय तक इस दवा का सेवन करने के बाद अचानक बंद न करें, इससे withdrawal के लक्षण हो सकते हैं।
💊 altonil ls 10mg/0.25mg tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Short-term insomnia with anxiety","description":"This medicine helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep when sleeplessness is linked to anxiety or stress.
- It is used for short periods only.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Sleep disturbance in anxiety disorders","description":"Sometimes prescribed when anxiety causes significant sleep disruption, as an add-on to other treatments.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Jet lag with severe sleep disruption","description":"Melatonin component may help reset the body clock, but clonazepam is not standard for jet lag and adds sedation risk.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder","description":"Clonazepam is sometimes used off-label, but the combination with melatonin is not established.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Insomnia
Also treats: Anxiety disorders, Sleep-wake cycle disturbances
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Melatonin (10mg) + Clonazepam (0.25mg) |
| Brand Name | altonil ls 10mg/0.25mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Alteus Biogenics Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not refrigerate unless specified on the label. Keep out of reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | Typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but refer to the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. The World Health Organization does not specifically recommend this fixed-dose combination for insomnia. Benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use only, and melatonin is considered a dietary supplement in many countries. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. The Indian Council of Medical Research has not published specific guidelines for this combination. Standard practice recommends short-term use of benzodiazepines for insomnia and caution regarding dependence. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works through two complementary mechanisms. Melatonin binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus to help synchronize the body's internal clock and promote sleep onset. Clonazepam enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain's main calming neurotransmitter, by binding to the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors. This increases chloride flow into neurons, reducing their excitability and producing sedation, anxiety relief, and muscle relaxation. The combination aims to address both the timing of sleep and the overactive brain signals that keep a person awake.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take altonil ls 10mg/0.25mg tablet
Strength: Tablet containing Melatonin 10 mg and Clonazepam 0.25 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally at bedtime, as prescribed by your doctor. The dose may be adjusted based on your response and tolerability. Because this medicine contains clonazepam, it is generally recommended for short-term use only. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medications you are taking. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines. The starting dose should be lower, and the dose should be increased cautiously. The risk of falls, confusion, and memory problems is higher. Regular review by a doctor is recommended. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | Not established from the available information. Both melatonin and clonazepam are partly eliminated by the kidneys. In severe kidney disease, dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult your doctor for personalized advice. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Not established from the available information. Clonazepam is extensively metabolized in the liver, and liver disease can increase its effects and half-life. This medicine should be used with caution in mild to moderate liver disease and is contraindicated in severe liver disease. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is one tablet of this strength (melatonin 10 mg + clonazepam 0.25 mg) unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of altonil ls 10mg/0.25mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Opioids | Major | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Other benzodiazepines | Major | |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors | Major | |
| CYP1A2 inhibitors | Moderate | |
| Antihypertensives | Moderate | |
| Antidepressants | Moderate | |
| Caffeine | Minor | |
| Grapefruit juice | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Opioid pain medicines (e.g., morphine, codeine)
- Alcohol
- Other benzodiazepines or sedatives (e.g., diazepam, zolpidem)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin)
- Antihypertensives
- Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol must be strictly avoided while taking this medicine. Alcohol enhances the sedative effects of clonazepam and melatonin, leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, memory problems, and a dangerous risk of slowed breathing. Combining alcohol with this medicine can also increase the risk of falls, accidents, and overdose.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to melatonin, clonazepam, or any benzodiazepine","Severe liver disease","Myasthenia gravis","Severe respiratory insufficiency or sleep apnea","Acute narrow-angle glaucoma","Children and adolescents under 18 years","Pregnancy and breastfeeding (unless specifically advised by a specialist)","Concurrent use with strong opioids or alcohol"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms; use for the shortest duration possible.","Do not stop suddenly after prolonged use; taper gradually under medical supervision.","Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.","Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.","Use with extreme caution in the elderly due to increased risk of falls, confusion, and fractures.","Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, breathing problems, or a history of substance abuse.","This medicine may cause memory problems and unusual behavior; report these to your doctor.","Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Not established from the available information. Clonazepam passes into breast milk and can cause sedation, poor feeding, and breathing problems in the infant. Melatonin may also pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medicine unless advised by a doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, slow heartbeat, slow and shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Treatment may include supportive care, monitoring of breathing and heart function, and possibly the use of flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antidote, under medical supervision. Melatonin overdose effects are generally less severe but can add to sedation.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember if it is still close to your usual bedtime. If it is almost time for your next dose or if you have already passed the night, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed, usually at bedtime, and do not increase the dose on your own. Avoid alcohol completely, as it can dangerously increase sedation and breathing problems. Do not drive, cycle, or operate machinery after taking this medicine, especially during the first few days. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Do not stop this medicine suddenly after long-term use, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and insomnia; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually. Keep this medicine out of reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place. If you feel unusually sleepy, confused, or have trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of side effects from this medicine, including excessive drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, falls, and fractures. The starting dose should be lower, and the medicine should be used for the shortest possible time. Regular review by a doctor is essential. Non-drug treatments for insomnia should be tried first.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Both melatonin and clonazepam may pose risks to the developing fetus. Clonazepam use in pregnancy can cause neonatal sedation and withdrawal symptoms. Effective non-drug treatments for insomnia should be considered. Do not start or stop this medicine without medical advice if you are trying to conceive.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine can increase the effects of anesthesia and other sedatives used during surgery. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may need to be stopped before surgery to avoid excessive sedation and breathing problems. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding when to stop and when to restart.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It can increase the sedative effects of local anesthetics and other medications used during dental work. You may need to adjust the timing of your dose or take extra precautions. Do not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While taking this medicine, you may feel drowsy or unsteady, especially in the morning. Avoid high-risk activities such as swimming, cycling, or using heavy gym equipment until you know how the medicine affects you. Light to moderate exercise during the day can improve sleep quality, but avoid vigorous exercise within 2-3 hours of bedtime.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause significant daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, which may affect your ability to work, drive, or operate machinery. It is important to avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your job involves operating heavy machinery or driving. You may need to adjust your work schedule or take time off until the effects are known.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
You should stop this medicine only when your doctor advises, usually after a short treatment course. Do not stop suddenly after prolonged use, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you experience side effects such as severe drowsiness, confusion, or mood changes, contact your doctor immediately. If your sleep problems persist or worsen after stopping, consult your doctor for alternative treatments.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to tolerance, meaning you may need higher doses for the same effect, and dependence, making it hard to stop. It can also cause memory problems, daytime drowsiness, and worsening sleep quality. Regular monitoring by a doctor is essential. If used for more than a few weeks, the dose should be tapered gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Long-term effects on the developing brain in young people are a concern, which is why it is not recommended for those under 18.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A structured program that helps change sleep habits and thoughts that interfere with sleep. It is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.
Evidence: Well-establishedPractices such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants.
Evidence: Well-establishedDeep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
Evidence: ModerateFor sleep cycle disturbances, melatonin alone may be sufficient without the risks of a benzodiazepine.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Not established from the available information. There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children and pets
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your hand luggage to avoid loss or temperature extremes. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about how to adjust the timing of your dose to minimize daytime drowsiness. Do not pack it in checked baggage. Check local customs regulations regarding controlled substances, as clonazepam may be regulated in some countries. Store it away from heat and moisture during travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. You should feel sleepy and ready for bed within that time.
A: This medicine is generally recommended for short-term use only, usually not more than 2 to 4 weeks. Long-term use can lead to dependence and worsening sleep problems. Follow your doctor's instructions.
A: Stopping suddenly after prolonged use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and irritability. Always taper the dose gradually under medical supervision.
A: No, alcohol must be avoided completely. It increases the sedative effects and can cause dangerous breathing problems.
A: This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a specialist. Consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is a natural sleep aid with no risk.
Fact: This medicine contains clonazepam, a benzodiazepine that can cause dependence, withdrawal, and serious side effects. It is not a harmless natural supplement. - Myth: You can take this medicine every night indefinitely.
Fact: This medicine is intended for short-term use only. Long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and worsening sleep problems. - Myth: It is safe to drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
Fact: Alcohol greatly increases the sedative effects and can cause dangerous breathing problems. It must be avoided completely. - Myth: You can stop this medicine abruptly without any problems.
Fact: Sudden stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and insomnia. Always taper under medical supervision.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Melatonin 10 mg + Clonazepam 0.25 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Altonil LS 10mg/0.25mg Tablet