Should Melatonin for Kids Require a Prescription?

Official title: Consultation: Adding melatonin for sleep-related use in the pediatric population to the Prescription Drug List

Open Regulations & Permits Health & Safety
Health Canada wants to make melatonin a prescription-only product for anyone under 18. Right now, parents can buy melatonin gummies and tablets over the counter to help their kids sleep. Under this proposal, you'd need a doctor's prescription first. The goal? Make sure a healthcare provider checks for underlying sleep issues before kids start taking melatonin.

Why This Matters

Got a kid who won't sleep? You're not alone—melatonin use in children has skyrocketed. If this passes, that bottle of melatonin gummies at the pharmacy will be behind the counter. You'll need to book a doctor's appointment first. For some families, that's an extra barrier. For others, it's peace of mind that a professional is involved.

What Could Change

Melatonin products for kids under 18 would move from the natural health products aisle to prescription-only. Parents would need a doctor or nurse practitioner to prescribe it. This aligns Canada with Australia and Europe, where children's melatonin already requires a prescription. Current adult melatonin products would stay over-the-counter.

Key Issues

  • Should all melatonin products for children under 18 require a prescription?
  • Is healthcare practitioner oversight necessary before children use melatonin for sleep?
  • Should Canada align with Australia and Europe on pediatric melatonin regulation?

How to Participate

  1. Email your comments to drug.prescription.status-statut.dordonnance.des.drogues@hc-sc.gc.ca by the deadline.
  2. Or mail your comments to: Health Canada, Prescription Drug Status Committee, 6th Floor Holland Cross – Tower B, Address locator: 3106C, 1600 Scott Street, Ottawa ON K1A 0K9.

Submit Your Input

Draft Email
Questions Being Asked (2)
  1. Do you support the proposal to make melatonin a prescription drug for sleep-related use in children and adolescents under 18?
  2. What are your views on requiring healthcare practitioner oversight for pediatric melatonin use?

Key Documents