R-Methadone
levomethadone
What it isThe R-enantiomer of methadone, carrying essentially all the mu opioid activity.
Why this oneRacemic methadone’s analgesia comes from this enantiomer, which is why single-enantiomer development was pursued.
What limits itIt does not avoid the QT prolongation entirely, and the long variable half-life is unchanged.
FDA-approved for
- opioid use disorder / pain (enantiomer)
Off-label
- opioid use disorder and pain as levomethadone (approved in Germany)
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskIt does not avoid the QT prolongation entirely, and the long variable half-life is unchanged
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Mechanism of action: R-Methadone ballicule
