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Methadone for Fun Sake… Kidneys Are at Stake!!!
Sameer Chaudhari1, Kashmira Wankhedkar, Beata Popis-Matejak
11Department of Cardiology, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ; and 2Department of Internal Medicine, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, NY.
Abstract:
Acute renal failure from rhabdomyolysis is a well-established clinical entity; however, rhabdomyolysis exclusively caused by the ingestion of methadone requiring hemodialysis is very uncommon. With a similar mechanism to opiates, methadone can cause rhabdomyolysis and further consequences. Given the increasing use of methadone as a therapy for opiate dependence, clinicians prescribing this medication should be aware of this life-threatening complication.
Insights
Methadone use can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a condition causing kidney failure. This rare complication, requiring dialysis, highlights the need for clinician awareness in opiate dependence treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rhabdomyolysis is a known cause of acute kidney injury.
- Methadone is increasingly used for opiate dependence treatment.
Observation:
- This case presents rhabdomyolysis exclusively caused by methadone ingestion.
- The condition necessitated hemodialysis.
Findings:
- Methadone can induce rhabdomyolysis through mechanisms similar to other opiates.
- This complication is rare but potentially life-threatening.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be aware of methadone-induced rhabdomyolysis.
- Monitoring for this adverse effect is crucial in patients on methadone therapy.