Clinical Observation of Effect of Oral Melatonin 10 Mg as Premedication

Abstract

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety has a significant impact on surgical outcomes. Oral melatonin, known for its anxiolytic and sedative properties, is used as a premedicant. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of administering 10 mg of oral melatonin two hours prior to elective surgery, focusing on its anxiolytic, sedative, amnestic, and perioperative effects.
Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted at R. D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain. The study included thirty patients, aged 18–75 years, with ASA physical status I–II, scheduled for elective surgery. Each patient received 10 mg of oral mouth-dissolving melatonin approximately 120 minutes before surgery. Perioperative measurements included anxiety and sedation levels.
Results: The mean age of participants was 40.44 ± 13.10 years, with 76.7% being male. Anxiety scores significantly decreased from 2.24 ± 1.39 at baseline to 0.00 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Sedation scores increased from 0.00 ± 0.00 to 1.32 ± 0.56 (p < 0.001), with all patients remaining arousable. Significant reductions were observed in pulse rate and blood pressure, while oxygen saturation remained stable. No instances of respiratory depression, haemodynamic and adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: Administering 10 mg of oral melatonin two hours before elective surgery effectively provided anxiolysis and mild sedation, maintaining haemodynamic and respiratory stability.