Methadone (Dolophine) Uses

Methadone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain in people who need around-the-clock pain relief and whose pain cannot be managed with non-opioid medications. Doctors may also prescribe methadone to treat opioid addiction. This medicine helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. It may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program for opioid use disorder. 

There may be other uses of methadone medication. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further methadone drug information.

Methadone (Dolophine) Mechanism of Action

Methadone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain signals.  

Methadone (Dolophine) Doses

Methadone comes in the form of tablets, dispersible tablets, solutions, and concentrated solutions. For pain management, the usual starting dose of methadone is 2.5 mg every 8-12 hours (2-3 times a day). Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time to manage your pain.

Patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment to prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms must receive this medication from a methadone clinic or providers certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.