Methadone

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
Author(s): Mary Lynn McPherson, Ryan C. Costantino, Alexandra L. McPherson

Teaser

Methadone is a valuable opioid in the management of patients who have cancer with pain. Methadone is a mu-, kappa-, and delta-opioid agonist, and an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. These mechanisms of action make methadone an attractive option for complex pain syndromes. It is critically important that providers consider a patient's risk status before beginning methadone. Careful consideration must be given to dosing methadone in both opioid-naïve and opioid-tolerant patients, with vigilant monitoring for therapeutic effectiveness and potential toxicity until the patient achieves steady state.


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