Methadone: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring

Labeled uses

Methadone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the: 1. Management of severe and persistent pain that requires an opioid analgesic and that cannot be adequately treated with alternative options, including immediate-release opioids. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including methadone hydrochloride tablets, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. Methadone hydrochloride tablets are not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic. 2. Detoxification treatment of opioid addiction (heroin or other morphine-like drugs). 3. Maintenance treatment of opioid addiction (heroin or other morphine-like drugs), in conjunction with appropriate social and medical services. Limitations of Use Methadone products used for the treatment of opioid addiction in detoxification or maintenance programs are subject to the conditions for distribution and use required under 42 CFR 8.12 …