section name header

Pronunciation

METH-a-done

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: opioid analgesics

Pharmacologic Classification: opioid agonists

Indications

High Alert

Unlabeled Use:

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 50% absorbed following oral administration. IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues.

Protein Binding: 85–90%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver; some metabolites are active and may accumulate with chronic administration. Primarily excreted in the urine (<10% as unchanged drug).

Half-life: 15–25 hr ( with chronic use).

Time/Action Profile

(analgesic effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO30–60 min90–120 min4–12 hr
IM, IV, SUBQ10–20 min60–120 min8–12 hr

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: hypotension, bradycardia, QT interval prolongation, TORSADES DE POINTES.

Derm: flushing, sweating.

EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, miosis.

Endo: adrenal insufficiency.

GI: constipation, nausea, vomiting.

GU: urinary retention.

Neuro: confusion, sedation, dizziness, dysphoria, euphoria, floating feeling, hallucinations, headache, unusual dreams.

Resp: RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION (INCLUDING CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA AND SLEEP-RELATED HYPOXEMIA).

Misc: physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

see Calculator

Moderate-to-Severe Pain

Opioid Detoxification

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations: Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Dolophine, Methadose

Canadian Brand Names

Metadol, Metadol-D

Contr. Subst. Schedule

Schedule II (C-II)

Code

NDC Code*