What is methadone liquid-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Methadone is a strong, synthetic (man-made) narcotic that acts on the central nervous system (brain) in a manner similar to other narcotics. It is used in the management of narcotic addiction and for pain control. Methadone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration on August 13, 1947.

What brand names are available for methadone liquid-oral?

Dolophine; Methadone HCl Intensol; Methadose; Methadose Sugar-Free

Is methadone liquid-oral available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for methadone liquid-oral?

Yes

What are the uses for methadone liquid-oral?

Methadone is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain when non-narcotic pain medications have failed. The extended release methadone tablets should be reserved for severe and continuous pain that requires long-term pain treatment after a failed trial of non-narcotic medications and should be avoided in individuals requiring as-needed pain control.

What are the side effects of methadone liquid-oral?

Methadone is very addicting and causes significant sedation and respiratory depression. Methadone side effects include:

These tend to occur during the first few days as the body adjusts to the medication. Methadone also may cause:

Some of these side effects may go away with continued use.

What is the dosage for methadone liquid-oral?

  • The initial dose of oral methadone in patients who require continuous pain control throughout the day can range from 2.5 to 10 mg given every 8 to 12 hours.
  • Those who are seriously ill may need to be started at an oral dose of 10 to 40 mg given every 6 to 12 hours.
  • The initial total daily dose for detoxification usually is higher, and this can range from 20 to 120 mg daily.
  • The usual dose for methadone solution for injection when treating moderate to severe pain in patients who require continuous pain control is 2.5 to 10 mg given as intravenous (I.V.), subcutaneous (SubQ) or intramuscular (I.M.) injection every 8-12 hours.
  • The conversion ratio from oral methadone to methadone given as an injection (I.V., SubQ) or I.M.) is 2:1. The total daily amount of methadone that a person is prescribed is not fixed, and it will depend on many factors including the severity of the pain, prior use of methadone, medications that are being taken concomitantly, the response to treatment and other factors that may be specific to a person.
  • Therefore, each person has to be monitored carefully while receiving methadone. When stopping therapy, the dose of methadone should be gradually reduced in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Which drugs or supplements interact with methadone liquid-oral?

QUESTION

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Is methadone liquid-oral safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Methadone has been shown to cross the placenta, and it is found in cord blood, amniotic fluid and in the newborn urine. Children born to mothers who were taking methadone for a prolonged period may exhibit respiratory depression or withdrawal symptoms. Methadone enters breast milk, and this can cause sedation and respiratory depression in the breast feeding infant. The benefit to the mother of taking methadone while breast feeding should be weighed against the risks to the infant.

What else should I know about methadone liquid-oral?

What preparations of methadone liquid-oral are available?
  • Oral concentrate: 10 mg/mL;
  • Oral solution: 5 and 10 mg per teaspoon;
  • Oral tablet: 5 mg and 10 mg;
  • Soluble tablet, 40mg;
  • Solution for Injection 5 and 10 mg per teaspoon: 10 mg/mL.
How should I keep methadone liquid-oral stored?

Oral methadone and injection should be stored at room temperature between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F). Methadone injection also should be protected from light.

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Medically Reviewed on 8/19/2019

References

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information.