Methadone

Also known as: (-)-Methadone, Amidone

Drug #460

Methadone is a synthetic opioid analgesic. Methadone is a modified diphenylheptane. Methadone is approximately equal in potency and has pharmacologic properties similar ot those of morphine, but less sedation, euphoria and respiratory depression. Methadone is more effective orally than morphine. Used in control of withdrawl symptoms from narcotic addiction and for brelief of chronic pain in termienl disease.it has been perticularly used to substitute for other opioids in the management of dependence. Methadone is administered orally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

← Previous drug Next drug →

Primary Characteristics

Methadone is also known as (-)-Methadone, Amidone, Methadone (HCl).

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Di-phenyl Heptanone.

It belongs to OPIATE agonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Analgesic pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 345.9 · pK_a: 8.3 · Solubility in Water: - isomer · Solubility in Alcohol: + isomer · Non-proprietary name: Methadone · pH: 5 · Isotonic value: 8.59.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Methadone has a volume of distribution is 5 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 60-90%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 6-8 hr, renal excretion is 20%(unchanged) 13%(metabolite).

Indications

Methadone is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute panic attacks, Cough, Opioid dependence, Pain, Severe pain.

Methadone is also indicated for secondary conditions like Pituitary desensitisation.

Contraindications

Methadone is contraindicated in conditions like Respiratory depression, Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Methadone's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route
Adult Dosage
7.5 mg	7.5 mg	Every 8h	PO
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown8 interactions

4 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Methadone in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Rashes, Hypotension , Hypotension , Seizures , Psychological dependence, Exacerbation of asthma , Itching, Hives.

Methadone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary edema , Respiratory depression, Cardiac arrhythmia, Hepatitis , Cardiovascular Shock. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Methadone are Hypotension, Coma, Unconsciousness, Pinpoint pupils, Rhabdomyolysis , Shallow breathing.

Methadone is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Constipation , Dizziness, Drowsiness, Euphoria, Headache, Mood changes, Nausea, Nausea and vomiting, Sedation , Skin erythema, Sweating , Vomiting , Weakness.

Warnings / Precautions

Methadone should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system (CNS) depression, convulsive disorder, ulcerative colitis, fever, recent gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, bradyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardia, pulmonary diseases. Patients should exercise caution while driving or performing tasks requiring alertness because it may produce drowsiness. Methadone should be avoided in the patient with known Opiate agonist hypersensitivity. The drug normally is not recommended for use in children. Tell your doctor if you ever had a head injury,stroke or brain tumor. Avoid alcohol Avoid cigarette smoking as it may decrease methadone's effectiveness.Donot drive as Methadone may cause drowsiness.

Interference in Pathology

Methadone may interfere in the diagnosis of Fringes TLC method of measuring Urinary Alkaloids , Pregnancy test on Urine .

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Methadone should be stored Tab, Inj.

Drug Classification

1.2.2 — Opioid analgesics