Methadone.
Methadone hydrochloride is an old drug that has been in vogue off and on. It has complex pharmacodynamics and can be potentially fatal in inexperienced settings. Drug switching from an opioid to methadone or vice versa requires knowledge of equianalgesic dosing. It is critical when using the drug to monitor for signs and symptoms of toxicity so that overdosing or toxicity can be identified in a timely manner. This review discusses these important topics so that methadone can be used safely and effectively.
Chhabra
Shalini
S
Department of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, and Home-Based Primary Care, James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Mountain Home, Johnson City, Tenessse, USA. shalinichhabramd@yahoo.com
Bull
Janet
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006207:Half-Life; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008691:Methadone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D008691:Methadone