Methadone

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Hematology/oncology clinics of North America Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 405 - 415
Main Authors:	McPherson, Mary Lynn, PharmD, MA, MDE, BCPS, CPE, Costantino, Ryan C., PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, McPherson, Alexandra L., PharmD, MPH
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier Inc 01-06-2018
Subjects:	Analgesics Cancer pain Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Medicine Methadone Opioid Pain management Opioid Cancer pain Methadone Analgesics Pain management
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	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.
ISSN:	0889-8588 1558-1977
DOI:	10.1016/j.hoc.2018.01.004