The effect of alcohol on Circadin® has not been formally studied. Data from the literature indicate that alcohol directly inhibits pineal gland function (endogenous secretion of melatonin)25. It is recommended that alcohol should not be taken with Circadin® because it reduces the effectiveness of Circadin® on sleep1. As alcohol is cleared from the body at a rate of approximately one unit per hour, one unit of alcohol (e.g., a glass of wine) taken at 6 pm should, theoretically, have been cleared from the body and therefore would not be able to interact with Circadin® taken at 9 pm. However, metabolism differs between individuals and a firm recommendation on time of alcohol intake prior to Circadin® cannot be made. However, although the efficacy of Circadin®, if taken with alcohol, might be diminished, there is no safety concern resulting from the interaction with Circadin® and alcohol. In particular, there is no CNS-depressant effect such as that resulting from the interaction of Circadin® with the BZDs 1.
Posted in: Dosing and administration
