A large review of data from over 10,000 adult patients looked at how using intravenous methadone during heart surgery affects recovery. The study compared methadone to standard opioid treatments for managing pain after the procedure.
The findings suggest that patients who received methadone reported lower levels of pain and used less total opioid medication during their first 24 hours of recovery. Some data also indicated these patients were less likely to need reintubation or experience nausea and vomiting, though results varied between different types of studies.
It is important to note that the evidence for some benefits is not very certain because the study included many different types of research with inconsistent results. Because the findings are based on a mix of observational and experimental data, they may not be consistent for every patient. Talk to your surgical team about how these medications might fit into your specific care plan.
Common questions
Does methadone reduce pain after heart surgery?
The study found that patients who received intravenous methadone during surgery reported lower pain intensity during the first 24 hours of recovery. However, because the evidence is based on a mix of different types of studies with inconsistent results, the certainty of this finding is considered low.
Does methadone reduce the amount of other opioids used?
Patients who received methadone during surgery were shown to have lower opioid consumption during their first 24 hours of recovery. This suggests it may help manage pain while potentially reducing the need for other medications.
Are there side effects like nausea or vomiting?
Some studies showed that patients using methadone had slightly less frequent instances of nausea and vomiting compared to others. However, because reporting on safety was incomplete in some parts of the study, you should discuss specific risks with your doctor.
