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Article: New agent offers relief from chronic insomnia.(New drug information from the publishers of MPR)
- Article from:
- Cortlandt Forum
- Article date:
- February 1, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Haymarket Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Rozerem
Company: Takeda
Pharmacologic class: Hypnotic (melatonin agonist)
Active ingredient: Ramelteon 8 mg; tabs.
Indication: Insomnia with difficulty in sleep onset.
Pharmacology: Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that is involved in the maintenance of circadian rhythm. The melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 have been identified as playing a role in sleep patterns. Ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist with high affinity for melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors and selectivity over the MT3 receptor. It is theorized that the activity of ramelteon at the MT1 and MT2 receptors contributes to its sleep-promoting properties.