BRAND NAMES

Biodone (New-Zealand); Biodone Forte (New-Zealand); Biodone Extra Forte (New-Zealand); Dolmed (Finland); Dolophine (US); Dolophine HCL (US); Eptadone (Italy); L-Polamidon (Germany); Mephenon (Belgium); Metadon (Sweden, Denmark); Metasedin (Spain); Methaddict (Germany); Methadone Hcl (US); Methadose (US); Methaforte Mix (New-Zealand); Pallidone (New-Zealand); Physeptone (Australia, England, Hong-Kong, South-Africa); Symoron (Netherlands); Tussol (unknown); Westadone (US)

DRUG CLASS

Methadone is a narcotic analgesic.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Methadone HCl is a synthetic narcotic analgesic with multiple actions quantitatively similar to those of morphine, the most prominent of which involve the central nervous system and organs composed of smooth muscle. The principal actions of therapeutic value are analgesia and sedation and detoxification or temporary maintenance in narcotic addiction.

USES

Methadone is used for opiod dependence and severe pain.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Significant - Naltrexone, cimetidine, diarrhea from toxicity, respiratory depression, pseudomembranous colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic respiratory disease, acute asthma.

Possibly significant - Luvoxamine, phenytoin, rifampin, head injury, intracranial hypertension, benign prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture, renal disease, gallbladder disease, hepatic disease, gastrointestinal disorder/impairment, GI sugery, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures with epilepsy, drug abuse, drug dependence, emotional lability, hypothyroidism,

SPECIAL CONCERNS

When administered to lactating mother, risk-benefit must be considered. Methadone has a definite effect on the infant, and my cause substance dependency. Animal studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the the fetus during pregnancy, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

SIDE EFFECTS

Frequent - Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, faintness, hypotension, weakness, malaise, nausea, vomiting.

Less Frequent - Appetite loss, atelectasis, biliary spasm, blurred vision, bradycardia, bronchospasm, confusion, decreased urination, difficulty breathing, diplopia, dry mouth, false sense of well-being, GI irritation, headache, insomnia, laryngeal edema, laryngospasm, nervousness, pounding pulse, respiratory depression, tachycardia, ureteral spasm, visual changes.

Rare or Very Rare - Allergic dermatitis, allergic reaction, angioedema, depression, hallucinations, hives, itching, skin rash.

SOURCES

http://www.medscape.com
http://www.mdconsult.com; Mosby's Drug Consult

Edited by Strutsy on 03/18/02 08:13 PM (server time).