The effect of oral contraceptives on the pharmacokinetics of melatonin in healthy subjects with CYP1A2 g.-163C>A polymorphism

The effect of oral contraceptives (OCs) on melatonin metabolism was studied in 29 subjects genotyped for CYP1A2 SNP g.-163C>A polymorphism. Plasma melatonin and 6-OH-melatonin concentrations were measured after a 6-mg dose of melatonin using a validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method. The mean melatonin AUC and C(max) values were 4- to 5-fold higher in OC users than in non-OC users (P < .0001), whereas the weight-adjusted clearance was significantly lower in OC users (P < .0001). No significant difference in melatonin pharmacokinetics between the genotypes and no additional effect by the genotype on the OC-induced increase in melatonin exposure were evident. Melatonin exposure had no significant effect on the subjects' state of alertness. In conclusion, a significant inhibitory effect of OCs on the CYP1A2-catalyzed melatonin metabolism was seen; thereby, OC use can alter CYP1A2-phenotyping results.