methadone

Name: Methadone
Drug class: Opioid analgesic
Drug dosage form: Tablet
Ingredients:
Each tablet contains 5, 20, or 40 mg methadone hydrochloride.
Mechanism of action:
Narcotic agonist-analgesic of opiate receptors; inhibits ascending pain pathways.
Indications:
Severe pain, adjuvant therapy in opioid withdrawal
Dosage and administration:
Doctors decide the dosage to be taken, but the usual dose is as follows:
Adults (pain): 2.5-10 mg every 8-12 hours, if needed
Treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms: Initially 20-30 mg/day, and then the doctor sets the dose depending on the patient’s response
If you take any medication or food supplement, tell your doctor and pharmacist. Only the doctor can decide to change the dosage.
Side effects: Any medication may cause adverseeffects in addition to its desired therapeutic effects. Although not everybody shows all the side effects, consult your doctor if you observe any of these side effects:
Vertigo, drowsiness, restlessness, euphoria, convulsion, tachycardia, blurry vision, double vision, shock, respiratory depression, urinary retention, muscle cramps
Drug toxicity is likely ifany of the following symptoms emerges, and it is necessary tocontact your doctor and visit a healthcare center immediately:
Slow and shallow breathing
Severe drowsiness and confusion
Bradycardia
Abnormally constricted pupils
Coma
Contraindications:
The simultaneous use of methadone, selegiline, rasagiline, and antifungals such as itraconazole and ketoconazole is contraindicated.
Methadone is contraindicated in case of pregnancy, lactation, a history of allergy to this medication, asthma, or severe respiratory conditions