Levomethadyl Acetate

Abstract

One way to reduce diversion of methadone is to substitute a long-acting opioid such as levomethadyl acetate hydrochloride. In male volunteers, levomethadyl acetate was given three times weekly in increasing dosages, and blockade to 25 mg intravenously given heroin at 72 hours was determined. Levomethadyl acetate hydrochloride, 70 mg, was necessary to suppress subjective discomfort of withdrawal, and 80 mg or more to blockade pupillary effects. For clinical trials, levomethadyl acetate hydrochloride, 80 mg, three times a week is suggested as a substitute for methadone.