Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Microbioreactor-Based Production of Anchorage-Dependent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Primed for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
09:06

Microbioreactor-Based Production of Anchorage-Dependent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Primed for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Published on: December 12, 2025

Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by methadone syrup

Abbas Aghabiklooei, Shahin Shadnia, Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam

    Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
    |October 3, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Even small doses of methadone (MTD) syrup can rapidly cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This case highlights the need for early respiratory monitoring in MTD-overdosed patients, even with non-oral MTD toxicity.

    Area of Science:

    • Toxicology
    • Pulmonology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an uncommon complication of methadone (MTD) toxicity.
    • Previous reports primarily involved high or unknown oral doses of MTD tablets.

    Observation:

    • This case report details a non-addicted patient who experienced ARDS after ingesting a small amount of MTD syrup.
    • Respiratory complications occurred earlier than typically observed in MTD toxicity.

    Findings:

    • Methadone syrup, even in small quantities, can induce ARDS.
    • The onset of ARDS can be rapid, irrespective of the MTD formulation or dose size.

    Implications:

    • Clinicians should consider ARDS in patients with MTD overdose, even with syrup formulations and small ingestions.
    • Extended monitoring (48-72 hours) is recommended for MTD-overdosed patients to detect respiratory complications like pulmonary edema early.

    More Related Videos

    Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)06:22

    Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

    Published on: April 7, 2021

    Related Concept Videos

    Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

    Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

    Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
    Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

    Acute Respiratory Failure-III

    Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without causing...
    Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

    Acute Respiratory Failure-V

    The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
    Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
    Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

    Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

    Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
    Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
    Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

    Acute Respiratory Failure-I

    Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
    Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
    Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

    Acute Respiratory Failure-II

    Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
    The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include: