title: Serum methadone as an aid in managing methadone maintenance patients.
abstract: Serial serum methadone levels were obtained in two patients who were experiencing significant difficulties (including subjective and objective evidence of the opiate withdrawal syndrome) while on methadone maintenance. A precipitous drop in blood levels of methadone was recorded 2 to 6 hours after ingestion. It was during this same time period that withdrawal symptoms were most severe. When methadone was administered on a divided dosage regimen, there was a dramatic clinical improvement in both patients and a marked flattening of the curve of serum methadone levels. This pilot study suggests that the current practice of administering methadone as a single daily dose to all patients needs reconsideration; serial serum methadone levels may be helpful in determining which patients do better on a divided dosage regimen.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone