Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic, long-acting opioid agonist. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain, and by reducing withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid addiction without producing a rapid euphoric high.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be strictly individualized. For pain, the typical starting oral dose in adults is 2.5 mg to 10 mg every 8 to 12 hours, titrated slowly. For opioid dependence, initiation and maintenance are strictly regulated and managed through certified opioid treatment programs. Risk of fatal overdose and QT prolongation is significant.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric populations. Extremely high risk of respiratory depression.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely used
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely used
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely used
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely used
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric populations. Extremely high risk of respiratory depression. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routinely used | N/A | Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation. |
| 8-10 kg | Not routinely used | N/A | Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation. |
| 11-15 kg | Not routinely used | N/A | Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation. |
| 16-20 kg | Not routinely used | N/A | Requires specialized pediatric palliative or intensive care consultation. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the management of severe chronic pain when alternative treatments are inadequate, and for the treatment of opioid use disorder (detoxification and maintenance therapy).
Generic Name
Methadone HydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Methadone is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.