Levomethadyl
Also known as: Levacetylmethadol
Levomethadyl belongs to the group of medicines known as narcotic analgesic. It is used as a substitute for illegal narcotics in addiction treatment programs. This medicine is not a cure for addiction. It is used as part of an overall program that may include counseling and attending support group meetings. Levomethadyl helps prevent the withdrawal symptoms that may occur when an addict stops using other narcotics.It has a long duration of action due to its active metabolites. It was approved in 1993 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of opioid dependence.
Primary Characteristics
Levomethadyl is also known as Levacetylmethadol.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Opoids.
It belongs to OPIATE agonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Analgesic-Narcotic pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 353.5 · Solubility in Water: > 15mg/ml · Solubility in Alcohol: freely soluble · Non-proprietary name: Levomethadyl.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Levomethadyl has a plasma protein binding is approx 80%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via hepatic, plasma half-life is 2.6 days.
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Indications
Levomethadyl is primarily indicated in conditions like Narcotic Addiction Program, Opioid dependence.
Levomethadyl is also indicated for secondary conditions like Analgesia.
Contraindications
Levomethadyl is contraindicated in conditions like Asthma, Colitis, Heart disease, Emphysema, Gall bladder disease.
Dosage
Levomethadyl's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 10 mg/ml | 10 mg/ml | Every 8h | oral solution | |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
None recorded.
Side Effects
Levomethadyl in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Breathing difficulty, Drowsiness , Constipation .
Levomethadyl produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cardiac Arrest . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Levomethadyl are Apnea, Seizures, Fainting , Weakness .
Levomethadyl is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Rashes , Sweating , Vomiting , Weight gain.
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
None recorded.
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.2.2 — Opioid analgesics