The rediscovery of methadone for cancer pain management.
Methadone is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic best known in Australia as maintenance therapy for narcotic addicts. Acceptance of methadone in cancer pain management is limited by a poor understanding of its pharmacokinetics and confusion about dosage. Many opioid conversion charts underestimate the potency of methadone, resulting in the risk of toxicity. Methadone is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of clinicians treating severe cancer pain, particularly neuropathic pain, that is poorly responsive to opioids or where opioid side effects are unacceptable.
Ayonrinde
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Palliative Care Department, Royal Perth Hospital, WA. oyekoya.ayonrinde@health.wa.gov.au
Bridge
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D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D008691:Methadone