The rediscovery of methadone for cancer pain management
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 t...
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Published in | Medical journal of Australia Vol. 173; no. 10; p. 536 |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Australia
20.11.2000
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | 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. |
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ISSN: | 0025-729X |
DOI: | 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2000.tb139323.x |