Methadone

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.

Brands
Adult Dose
Dose: 0.035 to 0.142 mg/kg
Single Dose: 0.088 (0.0885)
Frequency: 8 hourly
Route: PO
Instructions: -
Neonatal
Paedriatic
Characteristics
Methadone also known as (-)-Methadone, (-)-Methadone. Methadone (HCl) is the derivative of Methadone. 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.The Molecular Weight of Methadone is 345.90. It is weakly acidic drug, 8.59% solution of the drug is isotonic and Its pKa is 8.3.
Contraindications
Methadone is contraindicated in conditions like Respiratory depression,Hypersensitivity.
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Methadone, which give rise to further complications 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, Cardiovascular Shock, Hepatitis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Methadone therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Methadone include Hypotension, Coma, Unconsciousness, Pinpoint pupils, Rhabdomyolysis, Shallow breathing.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Methadone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Sweating, Skin erythema, Sedation, Nausea and vomiting, Euphoria, Mood changes, dizziness, Weakness.
Indications
Methadone is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute panic attacks, Cough, Opioid dependence, Pain, Severe pain, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Pituitary desensitisation.
Interactions
Methadone is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAbacavirAbacavir possibly reduces plasma concentration of methadone.AlcoholAmmonium ChlorideAmprenavirAmprenavir reduces plasma concentration of methodone.FosphenytoinIndinavir (Sulphate)Naloxone (HCl)Pethidine (HCl)RifampicinRitonavirSodium BicarbonateVORICONAZOLEVoriconazole may increase the serum concentration of methadone by decreasing its metabolism.Consider alternate therapy or monitor for changes in the therapeutic and adverse effects These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
Fringes TLC method of measuring Urinary Alkaloids Pregnancy test on Urine
Risks
Drug should not be given to patients suffering from Liver Malfunction.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Tab, Inj Store Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight, Moisture and Heat.
Warnings
'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.'
Back to List

Any information that appears on this website page is provided for the purpose of general information. This website has been compiled in good faith by HMIS.Online. However, no guarantee is made as to the completeness, validity or accuracy of the information it contains.