Melatonin - Inderal (Propranolol) Interaction
Herbal: Melatonin
Also Known As: N-Acetyl-5-Methoxytryptamine
Drug: Propranolol
Brand names:
Inderal LA, Inderal, Angilol, Syprol, Inderal Injection, Half-Inderal LA, Bedranol SR, Half Beta Prograne, Beta Prograne, Lopranol LA, Slo-Pro, InnoPran XL

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 27, 2025
Interaction Details
Propranolol is classified as belonging to the following category: Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking melatonin with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension or hypertension.
Some clinical research suggests that taking melatonin decreases blood pressure in healthy adults. Also, melatonin seems to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure at nighttime or untreated essential hypertension. However, melatonin seems to worsen blood pressure in patients who are taking antihypertensive medications. Immediate-release melatonin 5 mg at night in combination with nifedipine GITS (Procardia XL) increases systolic blood pressure an average of 6.5 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure by an average of 4.9 mmHg, and heart rate by 3.9 bpm. Also, results from animal research suggest that melatonin reduces the effectiveness of certain antihypertensive drugs, including methoxamine and clonidine.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Arangino S, Cagnacci A, Angiolucci M, et al. Effects of melatonin on vascular reactivity, catecholamine levels, and blood pressure in healthy men. Am J Cardiol 1999;83:1417-9.
- Lusardi P, et al. Cardiovascular effects of melatonin in hypertensive patients well controlled by nifedipine: a 24-hour study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2000;49:423-7.
- Cagnacci, A., Arangino, S., Angiolucci, M., Melis, G. B., Facchinetti, F., Malmusi, S., and Volpe, A. Effect of exogenous melatonin on vascular reactivity and nitric oxide in postmenopausal women: role of hormone replacement therapy. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf
- Kitajima, T., Kanbayashi, T., Saitoh, Y., Ogawa, Y., Sugiyama, T., Kaneko, Y., Sasaki, Y., Aizawa, R., and Shimisu, T. The effects of oral melatonin on the autonomic function in healthy subjects. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2001;55(3):299-300.
- Scheer, F. A., Van Montfrans, G. A., van Someren, E. J., Mairuhu, G., and Buijs, R. M. Daily nighttime melatonin reduces blood pressure in male patients with essential hypertension. Hypertension 2004;43(2):192-197.
- Cagnacci, A., Cannoletta, M., Renzi, A., Baldassari, F., Arangino, S., and Volpe, A. Prolonged melatonin administration decreases nocturnal blood pressure in women. Am J Hypertens. 2005;18(12 Pt 1):1614-1618.
- Weekley, L. B. Melatonin-induced relaxation of rat aorta: interaction with adrenergic agonists. J Pineal Res 1991;11(1):28-34.
- Grossman, E., Laudon, M., Yalcin, R., Zengil, H., Peleg, E., Sharabi, Y., Kamari, Y., Shen-Orr, Z., and Zisapel, N. Melatonin reduces night blood pressure in patients with nocturnal hypertension. Am J Med 2006;119(10):898-902.
- Grossman, E., Laudon, M., and Zisapel, N. Effect of melatonin on nocturnal blood pressure: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Vasc.Health Risk Manag. 2011;7:577-584.
- Cagnacci, A., Arangino, S., Angiolucci, M., Maschio, E., and Melis, G. B. Influences of melatonin administration on the circulation of women. Am J Physiol 1998;274(2 Pt 2):R335-R338.
Interaction Details
Propranolol is classified as belonging to the following category: Seizure Threshold Lowering Drugs
Theoretically, taking melatonin with drugs that lower the seizure threshold might increase the risk of seizure activity.
Some clinical evidence suggests that melatonin may increase the frequency of seizures in certain patients, particularly children with neurological disabilities.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Sheldon SH. Pro-convulsant effects of oral melatonin in neurologically disabled children. Lancet 1998;351:1254.
- Stewart LS. Endogenous melatonin and epileptogenesis: facts and hypothesis. Int J Neurosci 2001;107:77-85..
Interaction Details
Propranolol is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2. Also, other CYP1A2 substrates might decrease the metabolism of melatonin, increasing melatonin levels.
Melatonin is metabolized in the liver primarily by the CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 enzymes. Theoretically, combined administration of melatonin with drugs metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme might reduce the metabolism of these drugs, resulting in increased serum levels. Conversely, some drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of melatonin, resulting in increased serum levels of melatonin. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Pharmacist Analysis
Melatonin is metabolized in the liver primarily by the CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 enzymes.
Some studies suggest that melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2. This is because melatonin may inhibit the activity of CYP1A2, leading to reduced metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates and increased serum levels of these drugs.
On the other hand, some drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of melatonin, resulting in increased serum levels of melatonin.
Overall, studies suggest that any inhibition of CYP1A2 by melatonin, when used at typical dosages, is likely to be very minor, and clinically significant drug interactions are thought to be unlikely.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDReferences
- Yeleswaram, K., Vachharajani, N., and Santone, K. Involvement of cytochrome P-450 isozymes in melatonin metabolism and clinical implications. J Pineal Res 1999;26(3):190-191.
- Faber, M. S., Jetter, A., and Fuhr, U. Assessment of CYP1A2 activity in clinical practice: why, how, and when? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2005;97(3):125-134.
- Foster BC, Cvijovic K, Boon HS, et al. Melatonin Interaction Resulting in Severe Sedation. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2015;18(2):124-31.
Interaction Details
Propranolol is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates
Theoretically, melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19. Also, other CYP2C19 substrates might decrease the metabolism of melatonin, increasing melatonin levels.
Melatonin is metabolized in the liver primarily by the CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 enzymes. Theoretically, combined administration of melatonin with certain drugs metabolized by the CYP2C19 enzyme may reduce the metabolism of these drugs, resulting in increased serum levels. Conversely, some drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 may inhibit the metabolism of melatonin, resulting in increased serum levels of melatonin. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Yeleswaram, K., Vachharajani, N., and Santone, K. Involvement of cytochrome P-450 isozymes in melatonin metabolism and clinical implications. J Pineal Res 1999;26(3):190-191.
- Faber, M. S., Jetter, A., and Fuhr, U. Assessment of CYP1A2 activity in clinical practice: why, how, and when? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2005;97(3):125-134.
Interaction Details
Propranolol is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Laboratory research suggests that certain lots of melatonin inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, combined administration of melatonin with certain drugs metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme may reduce the metabolism of these drugs, resulting in increased serum levels. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Pharmacist Analysis
There is some evidence to suggest that melatonin may inhibit the activity of the CYP2D6 enzyme (a type of metabolizing enzyme).
CYP2D6 is responsible for metabolizing many drugs, including some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and beta blockers. When this enzyme is inhibited, it can lead to increased levels of these drugs in the body, which can cause side effects or toxicity.
Studies are conflicting as some have shown that melatonin can inhibit CYP2D6 while others have found no significant effect of melatonin on CYP2D6 activity.
Overall, the potential interaction between melatonin and drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 is still unclear and may depend on factors such as the dose of melatonin, the specific drug being metabolized, and individual differences in metabolism.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or medications, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
References
- Foster BC, Cvijovic K, Boon HS, et al. Melatonin Interaction Resulting in Severe Sedation. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2015;18(2):124-31.
Melatonin Overview

Propranolol Overview
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Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, pheochromocytoma (tumor on a small gland near the kidneys), certain types of tremor, and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (a heart muscle disease). It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain), migraine headaches, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Propranolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
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High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Melatonin - More Interactions
Melatonin interacts with 1425 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.