methadone-oral tablet
GENERIC NAME: METHADONE - ORAL TABLET (METH-uh-doan)
BRAND NAME(S): Dolophine, Methadose
|Warning |Medication Uses |How To Use |Side Effects |Precautions |Drug Interactions |Overdose |Notes |Missed Dose |Storage|
|WARNING:| Methadone is to be taken by mouth only. It must not be injected. Methadone is a synthetic narcotic. Patients who are physically dependent on narcotics may have withdrawal symptoms if given the usual dose of a narcotic antagonist (e.g., naloxone, naltrexone). If a narcotic antagonist must be given, the dose must be smaller than the usual dose and it must be given with extreme care. Withdrawal symptoms may also be caused by using certain narcotics (partial agonist/antagonists such as pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine) after using methadone. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop such symptoms as anxiety, agitation, and |diarrhea|.
|USES:| This medication is a narcotic pain reliever and is used for severe pain. It is also used in the treatment of narcotic addiction as part of an approved program. Methadone is a potent narcotic substance. It can cause serious side effects and toxic reactions if used by someone other than the person for whom it is prescribed. Do not share this medication with others.
|HOW TO USE:| Take this by mouth with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. If used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods for pain relief, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication is not working well. For narcotic addiction, the dose will be gradually reduced. Be sure to follow dosing instructions closely.
|SIDE EFFECTS:| Stomach upset, blurred vision, drowsiness, |constipation|, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid heart rate, |fainting|, mood changes, irritability, anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, mental confusion, nervousness, |depression|, seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- |methadone-oral tablet Index|
- |Glossary|
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the |FDA MedWatch| website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
methadone-oral tablet (cont.)
|PRECAUTIONS:| Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: stomach problems (e.g., colitis), uncorrected low mineral levels in the blood (e.g., potassium and magnesium), |asthma| or breathing disorders, |kidney disease|, liver disease, certain heart diseases (cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac conduction conditions - e.g., prolonged QT interval), head injury, seizure disorder, |depression|, substance abuse problems, any allergies. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages because it may intensify these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you drowsy or dizzy. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of methadone. Use with caution. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of methadone. Use with caution. This medication should be used during |pregnancy| only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication is excreted into |breast| milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
|DRUG INTERACTIONS:| Tell your doctor or all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may be using, especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric drugs (e.g., desipramine), tranquilizers, sleeping pills (e.g., zolpidem), zidovudine, didanosine, stavudine, nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir, ritonavir/lopinavir, other narcotic pain relievers, drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors, and inducers such as St John's wort, cimetidine, azole antifungals--itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics--erythromycin, rifamycins--rifampin, certain anti-seizure medications--phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) or other drugs which can also cause drowsiness. Other drugs besides methadone which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), and laxatives among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Other symptoms may include unusual dizziness or |fainting|. Seek immediate medical attention should these occur. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
|OVERDOSE:| If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep |sleep|, and loss of consciousness.
|NOTES:| Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., EKG-QTc interval) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
|MISSED DOSE:| If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
|STORAGE:| Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
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