methadone

Also meth·a·don

[meth-uh-dohn]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic narcotic, C 2 1 H 2 8 ClNO, similar to morphine but effective orally, used in the relief of pain and as a heroin substitute in the treatment of heroin addiction.

methadone

/ ˈmɛθəˌdɒn, ˈmɛθəˌdəʊn /

noun

1. a narcotic analgesic drug similar to morphine, used to treat opiate addiction. Formula: C 21 H 27 NO

methadone

1. An analgesic that is sometimes used in the treatment of drug addiction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of methadone¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50; meth(yl) + a(mino) + d(iphenyl) + (heptan)one

Word History and Origins

Origin of methadone¹

C20: from ( di ) meth ( yl ) + _a ( _mino ) + _d ( _iphenyl ) + _-one

Example Sentences

Opioids and opiates - such as heroin and methadone - were the biggest contributors to fatal overdoses in 2024.

From BBC

Many public health experts support a harm reduction approach involving the provision of substitute drugs such as methadone, clean needles, and a drug consumption room which has been set up in Glasgow.

From BBC

There was Mike, an ex-con and part-time methadone dealer, who worked salad station.

From Salon

The FDA has approved three medications to treat opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone.

From Salon

Medication-assisted treatment with medicines like methadone or buprenorphine is the standard of care for pregnant people with substance use disorders who are withdrawing because it can drastically reduce these health risks.

From Salon