Melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement used to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Its availability in gummy form, which is often colorful and sweet, is a significant factor contributing to a sharp rise in accidental pediatric ingestions. Young children mistake the candy-like appearance for treats, leading them to consume large quantities. This risk led to a 530% increase in calls to poison control centers regarding pediatric melatonin exposures between 2012 and 2021.
Recognizing Signs of Excessive Melatonin Consumption
Most accidental melatonin ingestions in children result in mild or no symptoms, but monitoring for adverse effects is necessary. The most common signs involve the central nervous system, manifesting as extreme drowsiness and lethargy. A child may appear significantly sleepier than usual, have difficulty staying awake, or show signs of impaired coordination and dizziness.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently reported after a child consumes too many melatonin gummies. These effects include nausea, stomach pain, and repeated episodes of vomiting. Though less common, more severe symptoms can develop, requiring immediate medical attention.
A large dose of melatonin can rarely affect the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to low blood pressure or changes in heart rate. Other serious signs of toxicity include altered mental status, severe confusion, seizures, or labored breathing. Because melatonin is regulated as a dietary supplement, the actual dose can vary significantly from the label. This makes it difficult to predict the severity of a child’s reaction based only on the number of gummies consumed.
Immediate Action and Medical Response
If a caregiver suspects a child has eaten an excessive number of melatonin gummies, they must immediately contact the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. This number connects caregivers with medical professionals who provide expert guidance. This call should be made before attempting home remedies, such as inducing vomiting, which is generally not recommended.
When calling, caregivers should provide specific details. These include the child’s age and weight, the exact name of the product, and an estimate of how many gummies were consumed and when the ingestion occurred. The specialist uses this information to determine the level of risk and whether the child can be safely monitored at home or needs to be seen by a doctor.
A trip to the emergency room is necessary if a child exhibits high-risk symptoms, such as being unresponsive, experiencing slurred speech, or having difficulty breathing. Treatment for melatonin overdose is primarily supportive, focusing on ensuring vital signs remain stable. Staff will monitor the child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation until the body metabolizes the excess melatonin. Intravenous fluids may be administered if the child is dehydrated from vomiting, but there is no antidote for melatonin overdose.
Preventing Accidental Ingestion
The effective strategy for preventing pediatric overdose is to treat melatonin supplements with the same caution as prescription medication. Melatonin is categorized as a dietary supplement, meaning it is not subject to drug regulations, and bottles are often not required to have child-resistant packaging. This lack of protective packaging, combined with the product’s appealing form, increases the risk of unsupervised access.
Caregivers should store melatonin products, especially the gummy varieties, in a high location out of a child’s sight and reach. Ideally, they should be kept in a locked cabinet or container. Leaving the container on a bedside table, counter, or other easily accessible spot creates a dangerous opportunity for accidental ingestion.
It is advisable to consult a pediatrician before administering melatonin to a child, even at the recommended dosage. A healthcare provider can help determine if the supplement is appropriate and suggest the safest possible dose. Since the purity and actual concentration of melatonin can vary widely across brands, parents should consider that the labeled dosage may not be accurate.