How is melatonin typically administered?

• A. Topical cream
• B. Intramuscular injection
• C. Oral pill, can be given IV clinically
• D. Sublingual spray

Answer: (C)

Melatonin is typically given by mouth as a pill because this route is the simplest, most practical, and well-supported by clinical use for sleep-related benefits. After oral dosing, melatonin is absorbed and reaches peak levels about an hour later, though only a portion of what’s taken reaches the bloodstream due to liver metabolism. This is why standard dosing often relies on careful timing and, for some people, extended-release formulations to maintain sleep across the night. There are situations where an intravenous form is used to achieve rapid, precisely controlled levels, bypassing the gut and liver, but these are not routine and occur mainly in special clinical or research contexts. Other forms like topical cream, intramuscular injections, or sublingual sprays exist but are less common and not the standard approach for most patients.