Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist used primarily for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder and for management of severe pain. It works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.
A long-acting opioid agonist used to treat opioid addiction and severe pain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N07BC02
- RxNorm
- 6813
- Generic
- Methadone
- Class
- atc-n07
- Brands
- Methadose, Dolophine, Diskets
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of opioid use disorder (maintenance and withdrawal management) and management of moderate to severe pain when other treatments are inadequate.
Methadone binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, acting as an agonist to produce analgesic effects, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of other opioids.
Can cause respiratory depression, QT prolongation, and physical dependence. In the US, methadone for opioid addiction is tightly regulated through specialized programs. Requires careful dosing and monitoring due to long and variable half-life.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy