Perioperative pharmacokinetics of methadone in adolescents

Abstract

Background: Methadone is frequently administered to adults experiencing anesthesia and receiving pain treatment. Methadone pharmacokinetics in adults are well characterized, including the perioperative period. Methadone is also used in children. There is, however, no information on methadone pharmacokinetics in children of any age. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the pharmacokinetics of intravenous methadone in children undergoing surgery. Perioperative opioid-sparing effects were also assessed. Copyright © 2011, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.