Methadone belongs to a class of medications called opioid analgesics. It works by inhibiting nerve signal transmission of pain in the brain and nervous system. It is a powerful analgesic and is used for severe pain management, for example in chronic pain management for cancer patients. Methadone is also used to treat people with opioid addiction by producing similar effects and preventing withdrawal symptoms in people who stopped using opioid drugs.
Methadone is available as oral tablets and linctus. You can take Methadone with or without food. Taking it with food may help to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
For severe ongoing pain
Adult
Initially 2.5-10 mg every 8-12 hours. Dose may be increased if necessary according to severity of pain.
For opioid dependence
Adult
Linctus: Initially 10-30 mg daily. Dose is increased every few days as necessary up to the usual dose of 60-120 mg daily according to signs of withdrawal. Maximum weekly dose increase is 30 mg.
Neonate 0-4 month
Initially 100 mcg per kg body weight. Dose is increased in steps of 50 mcg per kg body weight every 6 hours until opioid withdrawal symptoms are controlled.
Common side effects of Methadone include constipation, dizziness and drowsiness, dry mouth, euphoric mood, flushing, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting (more common on initiation), respiration depression (with high dose). Like all opioid medications, people can become tolerant or addicted to Methadone, which can result in withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop the medicine.
Common dosing schedule:
Oral Methadone can be taken with or after a meal to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Methadone may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Methadone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Methadone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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