Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Dolophine, Methadose
Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain and as maintenance therapy for opioid dependence. It acts on the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of endogenous opioids and reducing pain signals. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
For moderate to severe pain and opioid use disorder.
Methadone carries a Black Box Warning for respiratory depression, QT prolongation, and risks associated with accidental ingestion in children. It also warns about the potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Additional warnings address interactions with other CNS depressants, serious cardiac arrhythmias, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Outcome:
Increased respiratory depression, sedation, and risk of overdose.
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depression
Outcome:
Increased constipation and urinary retention.
Mechanism:
Additive anticholinergic effects
Outcome:
May slightly increase methadone plasma levels.
Mechanism:
Inhibition of CYP3A4
Most likely new formulation: Extended-release injectable methadone (2025, 70% confidence)
Based on increasing rates of opioid overdose, regulatory scrutiny on methadone prescribing practices is likely to increase by 20% in the next 5 years.
Opioid Analgesic, μ-opioid receptor agonist
Diphenylheptane