Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
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Ramelteon acts on a highly selective melatonin (MT1/MT2) receptor agonist. During delirium in postoperative and critically ill patients, a disruption of the sleep-wake cycle is frequently observed. ⋯ Ramelteon and exogenous melatonin may have a prophylactic treatment for frail older persons at high risk for delirium that is safe, effective, and easily implementable in daily practice. However, there is currently insufficient evidence that ramelteon and exogenous melatonin is effective in preventing or treating postoperative delirium and sleep disorders in the critically ill patient.