DOLOPHINE HCL

Drug Name: DOLOPHINE HCL

DOLOPHINE HCL DESCRIPTION:
METHADONE - ORAL TABLET (METH-uh-doan)

COMMON DOLOPHINE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Dolophine, Methadose

DOLOPHINE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid heart rate, fainting, mood changes, irritability, anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, mental confusion, nervousness, depression. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DOLOPHINE HCL:
DOLOPHINE HCL: Take this by mouth with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Use DOLOPHINE HCL exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because DOLOPHINE HCL can be habit-forming. If used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods for pain relief, DOLOPHINE HCL may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication is not working well. For narcotic addiction, the dose will be gradually reduced. Be sure to follow dosing instructions closely.

DOLOPHINE HCL WARNING:
Methadone is to be taken by mouth only. It must not be injected. Methadone is a synthetic narcotic. Patients who are physically dependent on narcotics will go through withdrawal syndrome if given the usual dose of a narcotic antagonist (e.g., naloxone). If a narcotic antagonist must be given, the dose must be smaller than the usual dose and it must be given with extreme care.

DOLOPHINE HCL USES:
DOLOPHINE HCL is a narcotic pain reliever and is used for severe pain. It is also used in the treatment of narcotic addiction as part of an approved program.

DOLOPHINE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: asthma or breathing disorders; kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, head injury, seizure disorder, depression, drug dependency, any allergies. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages because it may intensify these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if DOLOPHINE HCL makes you drowsy or dizzy. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of methadone. Use with caution. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of methadone. Use with caution. DOLOPHINE HCL should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. DOLOPHINE HCL is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DOLOPHINE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use including medication that may cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep; sedatives, tranquilizers; anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam); narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics); anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine); muscle relaxants; and antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DOLOPHINE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

DOLOPHINE HCL NOTES:
Do not share DOLOPHINE HCL with others.

MISSED DOLOPHINE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DOLOPHINE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.