Methadone introduction

Brief anticipatory medication guidelines

Scope of the guideline

  • This guideline has been produced to support the use of methadone for analgesia in patients with a life-limiting illness.
  • Titration to methadone is not appropriate in the last days of life and therefore is not discussed in this guideline.
  • This guideline does not cover the use of methadone for symptoms other than pain.
  • This guideline does not cover the use of methadone in patients with drug dependence.

Disclaimer

These Guidelines are intended for use by healthcare professionals and the expectation is that they will use clinical judgement, medical, and nursing knowledge in applying the general principles and recommendations contained within. They are not meant to replace the many available texts on the subject of palliative care.

Some of the management strategies describe the use of drugs outside their licensed indications. They are, however, established and accepted good practice. Please refer to the current BNF for further guidance.

Whilst SPAGG takes every care to compile accurate information , we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness, and it is subject to change. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.