Abstract
Methadone is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic best known in Australia as maintenance therapy for narcotic addicts. Acceptance of methadone in cancer pain management is limited by a poor understanding of its pharmacokinetics and confusion about dosage. Many opioid conversion charts underestimate the potency of methadone, resulting in the risk of toxicity. Methadone is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of clinicians treating severe cancer pain, particularly neuropathic pain, that is poorly responsive to opioids or where opioid side effects are unacceptable.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 536-540 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Medical Journal of Australia |
| Volume | 173 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| Publication status | Published - 20 Nov 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |
