Paper I
2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Rationale for use of methadone in morphine dependence therapy

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Answer

Methadone is a synthetic opioid with a long duration of action, high oral bioavailability, and a slow, gradual onset/offset that minimizes euphoric (“high”) effects. In morphine (opioid) dependence, substituting methadone allows the patient to be maintained without withdrawal symptoms and without the reinforcing euphoria of morphine, while its long half-life permits once-daily oral dosing. The dose can then be gradually tapered under supervision, facilitating controlled detoxification and reducing the harms associated with continued illicit opioid use.

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