Melatonin to reduce pain after cesarean section
The Effect of Preoperative Oral Melatonin on Postoperative Pain Control After Cesarean Section: A Dose Comparison Study
This trial will test whether taking melatonin before an elective cesarean section can reduce post-operative pain and the need for extra pain medication in women aged 18–40.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Benha University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Banhā) |
| Trial ID | NCT07380568 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants scheduled for elective cesarean section are assigned to receive either 5 mg melatonin, 10 mg melatonin, or a placebo 30 minutes before the operation. Pain levels and use of rescue analgesia are recorded over the first 24 hours after surgery. Researchers will compare the number of times participants need additional pain medication and monitor for any side effects to identify an optimal dose. The focus is on short-term postoperative pain control and safety in a relatively healthy obstetric population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–40 who are scheduled for an elective cesarean section, can give informed consent, and do not have the listed exclusion conditions are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with emergency cesarean sections, complicated pregnancies, severe systemic disease, chronic use of analgesics or sedatives, or known hypersensitivity to melatonin are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to reduce post-cesarean pain and lower reliance on opioid analgesics.
How similar studies have performed: Some smaller prior studies have suggested melatonin can modestly reduce perioperative pain and opioid use, but results have been mixed and the optimal dose remains unclear.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \- Women aged 18-40 years. * Scheduled for elective cesarean section. * Ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Known hypersensitivity to melatonin or opioids * Chronic use of analgesics, sedatives, or antidepressants. * History of sleep disorders or psychiatric illness. * Complicated pregnancies (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes). * Body mass index (BMI) \> 35 kg/m². * Emergency cesarean sections. * Severe systemic diseases (e.g., liver or kidney dysfunction).
Where this trial is running
Banhā
- Benha University Hospital — Banhā, Egypt (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.