Also known as Physeptone®, this is a synthetic drug structurally similar to MORPHINE, one of many opioid drugs used to treat severe pain. Methadone is, however, less sedating and has a longer half-life. Furthermore, it is more reliable when taken orally. Although vomiting is common, this is generally less severe than with morphine.
Methadone is valuable as a suppressant for non-productive cough, acting on the medullary ‘cough centre’ in the central nervous system. It is also helpful in weaning addicts o? morphine and heroin, having a slower onset of DEPENDENCE and a less severe withdrawal syndrome. When used for prolonged periods, methadone should not be given more often than twice daily, to avoid the risks of accumulation and opioid overdosage.
A synthetic acridine product used in the treatment of MALARIA. It came to the fore during World War II, when supplies of quinine were short, and proved of great value both as a prophylactic and in the treatment of malaria. It is now used only to treat infestation with tapeworms (see TAENIASIS).... mepacrine hydrochloride
A synthetic analgesic and antispasmodic drug, which is used in the treatment of painful and spasmodic conditions in place of morphine and atropine. A prompt but short-lasting analgesic, it has less of a constipating e?ect than morphine but is less potent. Useful for analgesia during childbirth because it produces less respiratory depression in the baby than other opioids. Pethidine is one of the CONTROLLED DRUGS.... pethidine hydrochloride
One of the BETA-ADRENOCEPTOR-BLOCKING DRUGS, propranolol hydrochloride is used in the treatment of ANGINA PECTORIS, myocardial infarction (see under HEART, DISEASES OF), certain abnormal rhythms of the heart, and high blood pressure (HYPERTENSION). It also prevents attacks of MIGRAINE, and is used for certain anxiety states – particularly those associated with unpleasant bodily sensations, such as palpitations. (See also ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS.)... propranolol hydrochloride
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