MedlinePlus Drug Information: Methadone Oral

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Methadone Oral

(meth' a done)

Brand name(s): Dolophine; Methadose

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Methadone is used to relieve severe pain. It also is used in treatment programs for people addicted to narcotics.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Methadone comes as a tablet, dispersible tablet, liquid, and liquid concentrate to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 3-4 hours as necessary for severe pain or every 6-8 hours for chronic pain. If you take methadone as part of a treatment program, your doctor will prescribe the dosing schedule that is best for you. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take methadone exactly as directed.

Methadone can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Dispersible tablets should be put in 3-4 ounces of liquid (e.g., water or citrus fruit juice) before use. The tablet should be completely dissolved in 1 minute.

When the methadone oral concentrate solution is used, the dose should be mixed in 3-4 ounces of liquid (e.g., water or citrus fruit juice) first.

If you take methadone as part of a treatment program, you must go to an approved clinic to obtain (and sometimes take) the drug. Your doctor will tell you about the proper procedures for enrolling in this kind of treatment program.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking methadone,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to codeine, methadone, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; antidepressants; medications for cough, cold, or allergies; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, a history of alcoholism, lung or thyroid disease, heart disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary problems.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methadone, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking methadone.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Methadone may be taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take methadone regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from methadone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness
lightheadedness
drowsiness
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
stomach pain
rash
difficulty urinating

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

difficulty breathing
fainting

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor, laboratory, and clinic. Your doctor will want to check your response to methadone.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer