Methadone (Methadone)
Overview of Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid analgesic. Methadone is a modified diphenylheptane. Methadone is approximately equal in potency and has pharmacologic properties similar ot those of morphine, but less sedation, euphoria and respiratory depression. Methadone is more effective orally than morphine. Used in control of withdrawl symptoms from narcotic addiction and for brelief of chronic pain in termienl disease.it has been perticularly used to substitute for other opioids in the management of dependence. Methadone is administered orally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
Indication of Methadone
Methadone is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute panic attacks, Cough, Opioid dependence, Pain, Severe pain, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Pituitary desensitisation.
Contraindication of Methadone
Methadone is contraindicated in conditions like Respiratory depression,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Methadone
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Methadone, which give rise to further complications include Rashes, Hypotension, Hypotension, Seizures, Psychological dependence, Exacerbation of asthma, Itching, Hives.,Methadone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary edema, Respiratory depression, Cardiac arrhythmia, Cardiovascular Shock, Hepatitis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Methadone therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Methadone include Hypotension, Coma, Unconsciousness, Pinpoint pupils, Rhabdomyolysis, Shallow breathing.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Methadone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Sweating, Skin erythema, Sedation, Nausea and vomiting, Euphoria, Mood changes, dizziness, Weakness.
Precautions of Methadone
Methadone should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system (CNS) depression, convulsive disorder, ulcerative colitis, fever, recent gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, bradyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardia, pulmonary diseases. Patients should exercise caution while driving or performing tasks requiring alertness because it may produce drowsiness. Methadone should be avoided in the patient with known Opiate agonist hypersensitivity. The drug normally is not recommended for use in children. Tell your doctor if you ever had a head injury,stroke or brain tumor. Avoid alcohol Avoid cigarette smoking as it may decrease methadone's effectiveness.Donot drive as Methadone may cause drowsiness.