Methadone is an analgesic and sedative remedy, used in the treatment of pain in adults and children, and can also be used as a detoxifier in the treatment of drug addicts, as it significantly reduces the symptoms of withdrawal.
Methadone may be sold commercially as Metadon or Mytedom and may be purchased from pharmacies in the form of tablets or injectable solution.
Methadone Price
The price of methadone varies between 10 and 25 reais.
Indications of Methadone
Methadone is indicated for the relief of acute and chronic pain from moderate to severe intensity and as a detoxifier for drugs such as heroin or morphine-like drugs.
Method of use of Methadone
The method of use of methadone can be done as follows:
For Pain Relief:
- Adults: 2.5 to 10 mg every 3 or 4 hours, if needed. For chronic use, the dose and interval of administration should be adjusted by the physician according to the patient's response
- Children: the dose should be directed by the pediatrician, according to the age and weight of the child
For narcotic addiction :
- Adults 18 years of age or older: 15 to 40 mg once daily, and the physician should gradually decrease the dose until there is no need for the product
- Children up to 18 years of age: use and dose should be doctor-oriented, considering the child's age and weight
In the elderly and in patients with liver or kidney problems, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture, methadone doses should be adjusted.
Side Effects of Methadone
Side effects of methadone include delirium, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, headache, insomnia, agitation, constipation or anorexia, respiratory depression, drowsiness, hypotension, confusion, urinary retention, decreased libido and skin rashes.
In addition, methadone may cause dependence when used incorrectly, so it is important to follow the directions and doses prescribed by the doctor.
Contraindications of Methadone
Methadone should not be taken by patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the formula, pregnant women, and patients with severe respiratory insufficiency, acute bronchial asthma, hypercabia, or paralytic ileus.