The effect of melatonin on sedation of children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging

Background Melatonin may induce a natural sleepiness and improve predictability of sedation drugs. We have investigated its clinical value in children sedated for magnetic resonance imaging. Methods In a stratified randomized double-blind study, 98 children received either melatonin or placebo 10 min before they were sedated with a standard oral regimen. Children >5 and P =0.58). Children closed their eyes slightly earlier after melatonin (respective geometric means 42 vs 48, P =0.17), and took slightly longer to achieve discharge criteria (146 vs 135, P =0.47). Conclusion In these doses and clinical conditions, melatonin did not contribute to sedation of children.