How does it work?

Methadone hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals (endorphins). They combine with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Opioids also act in the brain to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations. As methadone acts to decrease the sensation of pain, it is sometimes used in the treatment of severe pain in terminal illnesses such as lung cancer. Methadone is more commonly used in the treatment of drug addiction to other opioids such as heroin. It is prescribed as a substitute for such drugs. By acting on the same opioid receptors as heroin, methadone prevents the physical symptoms of withdrawal that occur when heroin is stopped. This prevents the onset of physical cravings. Methadone does cause physical dependence, but has fewer problems with psychological dependence as it does not give the same sense of euphoria as heroin. Methadone doses must be gradually reduced until there is no physical dependence. Methadone therapy for opioid addiction should ideally be used in conjunction with psychological and social support. Methadone is also used to suppress dry cough in people with terminal illnesses such as lung cancer. Coughing is a reflex response to irritation of the airways. Methadone may be used to block the cough reflex in situations where the cough serves no purpose (e.g. dry persistent cough due to lung irritation in lung cancer). It suppresses cough by decreasing nerve messages from the brain that cause cough.

What is it used for?

Dependence on opioids (such as heroin)

Severe pain

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

This medicine may raise intracranial pressure.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Breathing problems

Elderly people

Not to be used in

Children

History of obstructive airways disease

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Sudden asthma attack

Use in childbirth

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided during labour as it may affect the progress of labour or the baby.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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