Methadone Toxicity and Possible Induction and Enhanced Elimination in a Premature Neonate

Introduction

Reports describing methadone overdose in adult and pediatric patient populations are not uncommon. Reports in the preterm neonate patient population, however, are infrequent even though the utilization of methadone in that population continues to increase. Significant age-related pharmacokinetic differences complicate the management of methadone overdose in neonates, and literature involving methadone toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics in pediatric and neonate populations is largely limited.

Case Report

The clinical course and pharmacologic data of a massive methadone overdose in a 20-day-old male neonate is described, and a contemporary review of developmental pharmacology is presented.

Discussion

As clinicians continue to use methadone in neonates, they should be aware of the many significant peculiarities regarding its toxicology and pharmacology in that patient population.