Description

Methadone 10 mg

Methadone 10 mg is a prescription synthetic opioid medication. It is used primarily as part of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and may also be prescribed for severe, chronic pain when other treatment options are inadequate. Methadone should be used only under the supervision and direction of a qualified healthcare professional.

Physical Description & Common Forms

Oral Tablets

• Commonly available as small, round tablets.
• Tablet appearance and identifying imprints can vary by manufacturer.
• Some 10 mg tablets may be scored across the center.
• Examples of manufacturer-specific markings may include “54 142”, “M 10”, or “57 71”.

Tablet color, shape, size, and imprint should not be used alone to identify medication. Always verify the medication against the prescription label and information provided by the dispensing pharmacy.

Oral Solution / Liquid

Methadone is also available in liquid formulations. Concentrations and formulations vary by product and manufacturer and may include oral solutions or concentrates measured in milligrams per milliliter.

Dispersible Tablets

Dispersible methadone tablets, sometimes referred to as diskettes, are available in certain formulations. These tablets are designed to be dissolved in liquid before administration and are used according to specific prescribing and dispensing instructions.

Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in this medication is methadone hydrochloride. A 10 mg formulation contains 10 mg of methadone hydrochloride as specified by the particular prescription product.

How Methadone Works

Methadone is a full mu-opioid receptor agonist. It acts on opioid receptors in the nervous system and can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings when used as part of treatment for opioid use disorder.

Methadone also has activity involving the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and affects the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters. Its pharmacological properties distinguish it from many other opioid medications.

Important Safety Information

Methadone can cause serious and potentially life-threatening adverse effects, including respiratory depression. Its effects can persist for a prolonged period, and accumulation can occur with repeated dosing.

• Use methadone only exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or dosing schedule without medical guidance.
• Do not combine methadone with alcohol, sedatives, or other medications that can depress breathing unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
• Keep methadone secured and away from children and anyone for whom it was not prescribed.
• Seek emergency medical assistance if severe breathing difficulty, extreme sleepiness, or inability to wake occurs.

Storage and Handling

Store methadone according to the instructions provided by the pharmacy and the medication’s official prescribing information. Keep prescription medication in a secure location and dispose of unused medication through an appropriate medication take-back or disposal program when available.