Methadone

Trade Names: Metadol, Methadose

Uses

  • Maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder
  • Opioid withdrawal
  • Management of severe and persistent pain
  • Mechanical ventilation weaning in the ICU

Adverse Effects

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider risk of dizziness and drowsiness and potential impact on falls risk.Consider risk of dizziness and drowsiness and potential impact on falls risk.
  2. Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention

Route of Administration

  1. Intramuscular (IM)Intramuscular (IM)
  2. Intravenous (IV)Intravenous (IV)
  3. Oral
  4. SubcutaneousSubcutaneous

Mechanism of Action

Binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathways
  • Alteration of pain perception
  • Alteration of response to pain
  • Generalized central nervous system depression

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

1 hour to 2 hours

Duration of Action

3 hours to 5 hours

Time to Onset

15 minutes to 30 minutes

Last updated: April 2, 2026