GENERIC NAME: METHADONE - INJECTION (METH-uh-doan)
BRAND NAME(S): Dolophine
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: 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 symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping, sweating, and diarrhea. This medication has caused abnormal heart rhythm (prolonged QT) and serious irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as unusual dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, or sudden fainting.
USES: This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. This medication acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. It is known as a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type).
HOW TO USE: This medication may be given by injection into a vein (intravenously), into a muscle (intramuscularly), or under the skin (subcutaneously). Use it exactly as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on how to use this medication correctly. Remember to keep the injection site clean. If this medication is given intramuscularly or subcutaneously, it is important to change the location of the injection site to avoid developing problem areas under the skin. Use this medication every 8 to 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, use of other pain relievers, and response to therapy. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more details. If you are using this medication as needed for pain, remember to use it at the first signs of pain. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the pain medication may not work as well. This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended period of time (more than a few weeks), or if it has been used in high doses. If you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions (e.g., anxiety, irritability, sweating, trouble sleeping, diarrhea) may occur. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended regular use of this medication, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Although it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted. If you use this medication for an extended period of time, it may not be as effective and you will need a different dose. Talk with your doctor if you think this medication has stopped working well. Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.
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.
- Drug Abuse - Get information about drug abuse and addiction causes, symptoms, effects of certain drugs (cocaine, marijuana, heroin), treatment and prevention information.
- Chronic Pain - Chronic pain persists over a long period of time and is resistant to most medical treatments.
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