methadone

noun meth·a·done \ ˈme-thə-ˌdōn \

variants: or less commonly methadon play \-ˌdän\

Definition of methadone

:a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

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Recent Examples of methadone from the Web

In another experiment, researchers at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital focused on newborns who had been exposed in the womb to methadone, putting them in low-stimulation rooms with parents sleeping in the hospital while caring for their newborns.

— catherine saint louis, Alaska Dispatch News, "A tide of opioid-dependent newborns forces doctors to rethink treatment," 14 July 2017
One person filled a prescription for methadone in May 2013 and was dead two days later.

— CBS News, "Doctor charged in connection with 7 overdose deaths," 12 July 2017
Because the buprenorphine is taken once a day at home, the treatment is more convenient and less invasive than methadone that must be administered daily at a clinic.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "Naperville hospital tackles opioid epidemic," 11 July 2017
The other two medications, methadone and buprenorphine, are synthetic opiates that have a bias against them, Vuolo said.

— terry demio, Cincinnati.com, "Jails finally offer drug treatment, but is it the right kind?," 9 July 2017
The first-generation of opioid replacement therapy was methadone, which has been used for decades to treat opioid addiction.

— elizabeth millard, SELF, "A Pain Pill Among Friends: The Quick and Quiet Way Young People Are Getting Hooked on Opioids," 7 July 2017
After using drugs for 10 years, Amy Rardon started methadone treatment three years ago to help her conquer her addiction.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana to start covering methadone treatment for Medicaid recipients," 5 July 2017
Darian McWoods' attorney called on a medical expert who criticized the coroner's findings that the girl died by a methadone overdose.

— aimee green, OregonLive.com, "DA: Dad laced drinks with drugs, 1-year-old girl dies of overdose," 26 June 2017
Patients being treated for opioid addiction or dependence often must report to a clinic to receive medication, such as methadone or buprenorphine.

— sarah gantz, baltimoresun.com, "Emocha Mobile Health expands to opioid addiction treatment," 24 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'methadone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of methadone

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

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First Known Use: 1947

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METHADONE Defined for English Language Learners

methadone

noun

Definition of methadone for English Language Learners

: a drug that people take to help them stop taking heroin

Medical Dictionary

methadone

noun meth·a·done \ ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn \

variants: also methadon play \-ˌdän\

medical Definition of methadone

:a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₇NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction — called also amidone