Role of methadone in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Two case reports

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) affects pharmacokinetics/dynamics of drugs in unpredictable ways. Anecdotally, ECMO patients require high doses of opioids and sedatives, leading to concerns of tolerance. Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid with antagonist properties at the n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. It has been shown to improve spontaneous breathing trials and weaning from mechanical ventilation; however, there is no literature describing its use in ECMO. We describe two patients from the cardiac surgery intensive care unit at Cedars Sinai (Los Angeles, CA) on ECMO for over 30 days maintained on methadone.