[Drug interactions with methadone].

Abstract

PHARMACOKINETICS PHARMACODYNAMICS: Methadone is metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver microsomes and binds selectively to mu opiate receptors. Drugs metabolized by these enzymes or mu receptor competitors can modify the action of methadone. Genetic polymorphism influences plasma concentrations of the active levo enantiomer and thus clinical efficacy. ANTITUBERCULOSIS DRUGS: Rifampicin lowers methadome plasma levels so dose must be adapted. Rifabutin does not affect methadone kinetics. ANTI-EPILEPSY DRUGS: Phenytoin lowers blood levels of methadone by about 50% in 3 to 4 days. Other anti-epilepsy enzyme inducers (phenobarbital, carbamazepine) increase methadone metabolism. ANTI-VIRAL DRUGS: The area under the curve of plasma concentrations of zidovudine in presence of methadone increase by 43%, increasing the risk of undesirable effects. PSYCHOTROPES: Plasma levels of methadone increase by 20 to 100% in the presence of fluvoxamine. The benzodiazepine-methadone combination can be fatal due to respiratory depression. OTHER DRUGS: Brupenophine is a methadone agonist at the dose of 1 and 2 mg. Chronic alcoholism reduces the area under the curve while acute alcoholism increases it. Pure morphine agonists raise a major risk of respiratory depression while partial agonists favor the development of withdrawal symptoms.