Generic name: methadone (oral/injection) [ METH-a-done ]
Brand names: Dolophine, Methadose, Methadose Sugar-Free, Diskets
Dosage forms: injectable solution; intravenous solution; oral concentrate; oral solution; oral tablet; oral tablet, dispersible.
Drug class:Narcotic analgesics
What is methadone?
Methadone is an opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.
Methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs without causing the "high" associated with the drug addiction.
Methadone is used as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs. It is available only from a certified pharmacy.
Methadone is used for around-the-clock treatment of severe pain. This medicine is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.
Warnings
You should not use methadone if you have severe asthma or breathing problems, or a blockage in your stomach or intestines.
MISUSE OF METHADONE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Taking opioid medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
Fatal side effects can occur if you use opioid medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Methadone may cause a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. Call your doctor at once if you have a headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, and fast or pounding heartbeats. Your heart function may need to be checked ...
