Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It’s released in response to darkness and helps signal to the body that it’s time to sleep. Melatonin levels typically follow a daily pattern (circadian rhythm), rising in the evening and falling in the morning. Changes in this rhythm can contribute to sleep difficulties.

How do I take Circadin tablets?

For insomnia (licensed use): Take one tablet once daily after foodTake 1–2 hours before bedtimeSwallow the tablet whole For jet lag (off-label use): Circadin may be prescribed for short-term use when travelling across time zonesFollow the instructions provided with your prescription, as these may differ from the patient leaflet Swallow the tablets whole and do not crush, chew or split them in half.

What's the difference between Circadin tablets and other melatonin products?

Circadin is a licensed medicine containing prolonged-release melatonin. Other melatonin products may differ in formulation and release profile. Circadin has been assessed for quality, safety and efficacy in line with UK regulatory standards.

When is the best time to take Circadin?

Circadin should be taken after food, 1–2 hours before bedtime. Taking it at a consistent time each evening may help support a regular sleep pattern.

Can you take alcohol and Circadin together?

Alcohol should be avoided while taking Circadin, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and disrupt normal sleep patterns.

Does Circadin contain gluten?

Circadin does not contain gluten and can be taken by coeliacs. (Last reviewed 28/04/2026. Always check the pack).

What to do if you miss a dose of Circadin?

If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember if it’s still before bedtime. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.

How often can you use Circadin?

Circadin is usually taken once daily for up to 13 weeks for insomnia. Your pharmacist will decide the correct dosage and plan for you. Always follow the instructions provided with your prescription.

How does Circadin help me sleep?

Circadin provides a prolonged-release form of melatonin, helping to support the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle. By supplementing melatonin levels, it may help improve sleep quality and promote a more regular sleep pattern.

For how long should I take Circadin?

For insomnia, Circadin is typically used for up to 13 weeks. If prescribed for jet lag: Circadin may be prescribed for short-term use when travelling across time zonesFollow the instructions provided with your prescription, as these may differ from the patient information leaflet

What Circadin dosages are available?

Circadin comes in a standard, 2mg dosage. It’s a prolonged release tablet, which means the tablet releases medication slowly after you’ve taken it.

What does “off label” mean?

Circadin is licensed in the UK for the treatment of short-term insomnia in adults aged 55 and over. When it is prescribed for jet lag, this is considered an “off-label” use. Off-label use means that a medicine is prescribed for a condition or in a way that is different from the specific use it was originally licensed for. This is a common and accepted practice when a pharmacist or healthcare professional considers it appropriate for your individual needs. While there is evidence supporting the use of melatonin for jet lag, the information in the patient leaflet may not refer to this use. You should always follow the instructions provided with your prescription and speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have any questions.

Jet lag occurs when travelling across multiple time zones disrupts your body’s internal clock. This can lead to sleep disturbance, fatigue and difficulty adjusting to a new schedule.

What is the body clock?

The body clock, or circadian rhythm, is the body’s 24-hour internal system that regulates sleep and wake cycles. It’s influenced by light and darkness, helping control when you feel alert or sleepy.

How does jet lag actually occur?

Jet lag happens when your body’s internal clock is out of sync with the local time at your destination and happens when you cross multiple time zones rapidly. This disruption can affect melatonin release and lead to sleep difficulties.

Circadin (Melatonin) 2mg Tablets For Jet Lag

Name: Circadin (Melatonin) 2mg Tablets
Brand: Circadin
Availability: OutOfStock

Helps you fall asleep more easily at night
May help you stay asleep and wake feeling more rested
Supports a more consistent sleep routine
Works with your body’s natural sleep cycle

This treatment is out of stock.

Unfortunately, this item is currently out of stock. Please check back for further information or updates.

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from £29.99
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Circadin: Overview

from £39.99

Insomnia can leave you lying awake when you want to be asleep, waking through the night, or facing the day already feeling tired. When sleep is disrupted like this, it can take a toll on your energy, mood and ability to get through the day. In some cases, it may be linked to changes in the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle.

Circadin (melatonin) is a prescription treatment for short-term insomnia. It works by supporting the body’s natural circadian rhythm, helping to restore a more natural sleep pattern.

Who Is Circadin (Melatonin) 2mg Tablets Suitable For?

Suitable for age: Case by case basis

Suitable for pregnancy?No

Suitable for breastfeeding?No

Maximum per order:1

Consultation required?Yes

This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.

Circadin Summary

Type of medicine: Melatonin receptor agonist
Active ingredient: Melatonin
Works by: Supporting the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle (circadian rhythm)
Effectiveness: Clinical evidence suggests melatonin may help improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep in some people
Available Strengths: 2mg
Generic or branded treatment: Branded
Pack size: 30
Manufacturer: RAD Neurim Pharmaceuticals EEC SARL
Use with alcohol: Do not use with alcohol

Circadin: Information

What Is Circadin and What Is It Used for?

Circadin contains melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep–wake cycle. Circadin 2mg tablets are licensed to treat short-term insomnia in adults aged 55 and over.

Circadin may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms of jet lag in adults travelling across three or more time zones. This is considered an “off-label” use.

Melatonin may help your body adjust to a new time zone by supporting your natural sleep cycle. Short courses of treatment are usually sufficient after arrival at your destination and on return home. Learn more about jet lag symptoms and treatment options.

Compared with some traditional sleeping tablets, melatonin does not act as a central nervous system depressant and is less likely to cause next-day drowsiness. However, it can still cause drowsiness in some people, so take care when driving or operating machinery.

How Does Circadin Work?

Circadin contains melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps control your sleep–wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Melatonin is released in response to darkness and signals to your body that it is time to sleep.

Circadin works by acting on specific receptors in the brain that help regulate your internal body clock. This helps control the timing of when you feel sleepy and when you wake.

Circadin is a prolonged-release tablet, meaning it releases melatonin slowly throughout the night. This mimics the body’s natural melatonin levels, helping to maintain sleep rather than just helping you fall asleep.

By supporting the body’s natural circadian rhythm, Circadin may be helpful in conditions where sleep timing is disrupted, such as insomnia or jet lag.

Benefits of Circadin

Circadin may help improve sleep by supporting the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle. Potential benefits include:

May help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep
May improve overall sleep quality
May help support daytime functioning by improving sleep patterns
Not associated with dependence or withdrawal effects when used as directed

How To Use Circadin

For insomnia:

Take one 2mg tablet once daily after food
Take 1–2 hours before bedtime
Swallow the tablet whole – do not chew, crush or divide it, as this will affect how the medicine is released
Treatment is usually continued for up to 13 weeks

Circadin works by supporting your natural sleep cycle and may help you feel ready for sleep over time.

Alternative Methods To Treat Jet Lag

Circadin may help improve symptoms of jet lag by supporting your body’s natural sleep–wake cycle.

Other types of sleeping tablets may sometimes be used to help with sleep after travelling. However, they can be associated with side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. A pharmacist or healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate option for you.

Practical ways to reduce symptoms of jet lag:

Avoid napping during the day where possible
Try to sleep at a normal bedtime in your new time zone
Spend time outdoors, as exposure to natural light can help your body adjust
Try to eat meals according to your new time zone

Circadin Ingredients

Active ingredient: 2mg of melatonin

Other ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer type A, ammonio methacrylate copolymer type B, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, silica (colloidal anhydrous), lactose monohydrate, talc and magnesium stearate.

Circadin Side Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or any serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Some of the more commonly reported side effects include:

Headache
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Irritability
Abdominal pain

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.

Circadin Warnings

Read the following warnings carefully to help decide whether Circadin may be suitable for you.

Do not take Circadin:

If you are allergic to melatonin or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
If you’re pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Talk to your prescriber before taking Circadin:

If you have liver or kidney problems. No studies have been performed in people with liver or kidney disease, so you should speak to your doctor before taking Circadin, as its use is not recommended.
If you’ve been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars.
If you’ve been told you have an autoimmune disease. No studies have been performed in people with autoimmune diseases, so you should speak to your doctor before taking Circadin, as its use is not recommended.
Circadin can make you feel drowsy. If you’re affected, take care when driving or carrying out tasks that require alertness.
Smoking may make Circadin less effective, because components of tobacco smoke can increase the breakdown of melatonin by the liver.

Do not give this medicine to children or adolescents under 18 years of age, as it hasn’t been tested and its effects are unknown.

For a full list of warnings and side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet.

Other Medicines and Circadin

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Circadin may interact with the following medicines:

Fluvoxamine (for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder)
Psoralens (for skin conditions such as psoriasis)
Cimetidine (for stomach problems such as ulcers)
Quinolones and rifampicin (for bacterial infections)
Oestrogens (used in contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy)
Carbamazepine (for epilepsy)
Adrenergic agonists/antagonists (used to control blood pressure)
Opiate agonists/antagonists (used in the treatment of drug dependence)
Prostaglandin inhibitors (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines)
Antidepressants and tryptophan
Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (used for sleep)
Thioridazine (for schizophrenia)
Imipramine (for depression)

Circadin (Melatonin) 2mg Tablets reviews

Circadin FAQs

What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It’s released in response to darkness and helps signal to the body that it’s time to sleep.

Melatonin levels typically follow a daily pattern (circadian rhythm), rising in the evening and falling in the morning. Changes in this rhythm can contribute to sleep difficulties.
How do I take Circadin tablets?
For insomnia (licensed use):
- Take one tablet once daily after food
- Take 1–2 hours before bedtime
- Swallow the tablet whole
For jet lag (off-label use):
- Circadin may be prescribed for short-term use when travelling across time zones
- Follow the instructions provided with your prescription, as these may differ from the patient leaflet
Swallow the tablets whole and do not crush, chew or split them in half.
What's the difference between Circadin tablets and other melatonin products?
Circadin is a licensed medicine containing prolonged-release melatonin. Other melatonin products may differ in formulation and release profile. Circadin has been assessed for quality, safety and efficacy in line with UK regulatory standards.
When is the best time to take Circadin?
Circadin should be taken after food, 1–2 hours before bedtime. Taking it at a consistent time each evening may help support a regular sleep pattern.
Can you take alcohol and Circadin together?
Alcohol should be avoided while taking Circadin, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and disrupt normal sleep patterns.
Does Circadin contain gluten?
Circadin does not contain gluten and can be taken by coeliacs. (Last reviewed 28/04/2026. Always check the pack).
What to do if you miss a dose of Circadin?
If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember if it’s still before bedtime.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.
How often can you use Circadin?
Circadin is usually taken once daily for up to 13 weeks for insomnia. Your pharmacist will decide the correct dosage and plan for you. Always follow the instructions provided with your prescription.
How does Circadin help me sleep?
Circadin provides a prolonged-release form of melatonin, helping to support the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle. By supplementing melatonin levels, it may help improve sleep quality and promote a more regular sleep pattern.
For how long should I take Circadin?
For insomnia, Circadin is typically used for up to 13 weeks.

If prescribed for jet lag:
- Circadin may be prescribed for short-term use when travelling across time zones
- Follow the instructions provided with your prescription, as these may differ from the patient information leaflet
What Circadin dosages are available?
Circadin comes in a standard, 2mg dosage. It’s a prolonged release tablet, which means the tablet releases medication slowly after you’ve taken it.
What does “off label” mean?
Circadin is licensed in the UK for the treatment of short-term insomnia in adults aged 55 and over. When it is prescribed for jet lag, this is considered an “off-label” use.

Off-label use means that a medicine is prescribed for a condition or in a way that is different from the specific use it was originally licensed for. This is a common and accepted practice when a pharmacist or healthcare professional considers it appropriate for your individual needs.

While there is evidence supporting the use of melatonin for jet lag, the information in the patient leaflet may not refer to this use. You should always follow the instructions provided with your prescription and speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have any questions.
What is jet lag?
Jet lag occurs when travelling across multiple time zones disrupts your body’s internal clock. This can lead to sleep disturbance, fatigue and difficulty adjusting to a new schedule.
What is the body clock?
The body clock, or circadian rhythm, is the body’s 24-hour internal system that regulates sleep and wake cycles. It’s influenced by light and darkness, helping control when you feel alert or sleepy.
How does jet lag actually occur?
Jet lag happens when your body’s internal clock is out of sync with the local time at your destination and happens when you cross multiple time zones rapidly. This disruption can affect melatonin release and lead to sleep difficulties.

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Written by Andy Boysan

Co-Founder

BPharm

GPhC 2047716

Andy is a co-founder and Superintendent Pharmacist at The Independent Pharmacy. With over 30 years of practice across a wide range of professional settings, he is committed to improving patient outcomes, supporting teams and advancing professional standards within the pharmacy sector. Andy's career spans a range of senior leadership roles, including managing individual pharmacies, clusters of pharmacies, and wider regions for major national chains. In these roles, he was responsible for driving performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting staff development and delivering high standards of patient care.

Reviewed by Daniel Hurley

Clinical Governance Lead

MPharm IP PgDip Pharm Pract

GPhC 2078790

Dan is a GPhC-Registered Pharmacist and Clinical Governance Lead at The Independent Pharmacy. Dan is committed to making healthcare more accessible and helping patients feel confident, informed and supported when navigating decisions about their health and wellbeing. An extensive professional background allows Dan to provide clear, practical and patient-focused advice, helping people cut through jargon and feel more confident in their care.

Published 19 February 2020

Updated 28 April 2026

Reviewed 28 April 2026

Next review 28 April 2028

Circadin (Melatonin) 2mg Tablets