PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methadone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotic pain medications (such as propoxyphene); or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain bowel diseases (paralytic ileus, infectious diarrhea).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung diseases (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), breathing problems (such as slow/shallow breathing, sleep apnea), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate or narrowed urethra), adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease), mental/mood disorders (such as toxic psychosis), intestinal diseases (such as colitis), disease of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis), gallbladder disease.Methadone may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may affect the heart rhythm (see also Drug Interactions section). Before using methadone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions: family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death), certain heart problems (slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG, heart failure).Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using methadone safely.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.Liquid products may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially slow/shallow breathing and drowsiness.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pregnancy may also affect the amount of this drug in your body, so tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. You may require different dosing. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for a long time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.This medication passes into breast milk and is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is suddenly stopped, the nursing infant may experience withdrawal symptoms. Discuss with you doctor a plan for breastfeeding your baby.

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