What is this medication for?
Methadone belongs to the family of medications called narcotics. It is used in combination with social and medical services to treat addictions to heroin and other narcotics. Because methadone is eliminated from the body more slowly than other narcotics, it is less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms. It is used to help ease a person through the physical process of getting off of narcotics.
Methadone may also be used to relieve severe pain. It works in the brain to relieve pain and ease the physical process of withdrawing from narcotics.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Methadone Hydrochloride Intensol by Roxane Laboratories is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The dose of methadone varies depending on the purpose for which it is being used (pain or narcotic withdrawal), and a person's individual needs. The usual adult dose for pain ranges from 2.5 mg to 10 mg every 3 or 4 hours as needed. For narcotic withdrawal, your doctor will determine the appropriate dose.
If you are using methadone liquid, use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Methadone should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to methadone or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has certain breathing problems (e.g., someone who is having an asthma attack, people whose breathing is much slower than normal)
- has hypercarbia (too much carbon dioxide in the blood)
- has or may have a paralytic ileus