Question 1

What is Methadone used for?

Accepted Answer

Methadone is indicated for: Perioperative analgesia, severe pain.

Question 2

What routes can Methadone be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: IV, IM, SC.

Question 3

Which species have cited Methadone dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Methadone dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Methadone a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Methadone is a controlled substance under US federal law.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Methadone?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression. Bradycardia. No histamine release (advantage over morphine). NMDA antagonism provides wind-up prevention. Controlled substance (Schedule II). Dogs and cats.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Methadone?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory depression. Bradycardia. No histamine release (advantage over morphine). NMDA antagonism provides wind-up prevention. Controlled substance (Schedule II). Dogs and cats.

Question 7

How does Methadone work?

Accepted Answer

Full mu-opioid receptor agonist providing analgesia. Also antagonizes NMDA receptors and inhibits serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake, contributing to multimodal analgesia.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	0.1–0.5 mg/kg	q4-6h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	IM	0.1–0.3 mg/kg	q4-6h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Methadone

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Methadone dosing data (2 dose rules)

Controlled Substance

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published primary source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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