methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn 

variants or less commonly methadon

ˈme-thə-ˌdän 

: 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

Examples of methadone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some in the recovery community consider methadone and buprenorphine a crutch. —Aneri Pattani, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024

The bill would allow a subset of U.S. physicians — only around 7,000, including ones already working at methadone clinics — to prescribe methadone that could be picked up at regular pharmacies. —Dan Primack, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024

Currently, the standard of care is managing patients’ withdrawal symptoms with drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine, which are themselves opioids and still retain some euphoric effects and potential for abuse. —Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 29 Nov. 2024

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Oregon is adapting buses to help people get methadone and buprenorphine that help curb opioid withdrawal symptoms. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: 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