What it means
A full opioid agonist that stays in the body a long time. Taken once a day, it prevents withdrawal and cravings in opioid use disorder, and it is also used for long-lasting severe pain. Its half-life is long and varies widely, so it builds up over several days, and overdose can happen days after a dose change. It can also lengthen the QT interval and cause dangerous heart rhythms.
For the nurse
Watch sedation and breathing closely, especially in the first days and after dose increases. An ECG may be checked for QT changes. Confirm the dose with the client's program before giving, and keep naloxone available. Opioids by all routes are on the ISMP high-alert list.
At a glance
| Drug class | opioid agonist (opioid analgesic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Dolophine, Methadose |
| Spanish | metadona |
| Also written | Dolophine, Methadose |
Easy to confuse with
ketorolac
A strong NSAID pain drug, given by injection, by mouth or as a nasal spray, for short-term moderate to severe pain.
methylphenidate
A central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
memantine
A drug used to ease memory and thinking symptoms in moderate to severe Alzheimer disease.
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
morphine
A strong opioid drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain.