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Nephrotoxicity of methadone: a systematic review
Samira Alinejad1, Kazem Ghaemi2, Mohammad Abdollahi3
1Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Moallem Avenue, Birjand, 9713643138 Iran.
Methadone use is linked to kidney damage through various mechanisms, including rhabdomyolysis and transplant rejection. Understanding these effects is crucial for safer methadone administration in pain and addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methadone is widely used for chronic pain and opioid dependence.
- Increased methadone use correlates with rising toxicities and fatalities.
- Nephrotoxicity is a recognized adverse effect of opioid analgesics like methadone.
Approach:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using bibliographical databases.
- Keywords included methadone, toxicity, poisoning, kidney, renal, and nephrotoxicity.
- Findings were synthesized to provide a review of methadone's renal effects.
Key Points:
- Methadone exerts direct and indirect effects on renal function.
- Observed effects include rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, volumetric changes, renal lipidosis, amyloidosis, pregnancy-related kidney growth, and kidney transplant rejection.
- These diverse renal impacts highlight the complexity of methadone's nephrotoxic potential.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced comprehension of methadone's impact on kidney function is essential.
- This knowledge facilitates safer and more confident clinical application of methadone.
- Further research into methadone nephrotoxicity can guide improved patient management strategies.
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