Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

In Silico Clinical Trials for Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: May 27, 2022
Methadone Dose Adjustments, Plasma R-Methadone Levels and Therapeutic Outcome of Heroin Users: A Randomized Clinical
Guido Mannaioni1,2, Cecilia Lanzi1,2, Michela Lotti1,2
1Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmacology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Aims:
We aimed to improve the retention in treatment and therapeutic outcome of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients by adjusting the oral methadone dose in order to reach a "target" plasma R-methadone level (80-250 ng/mL).
Methods:
A multicenter randomized controlled trial was organized.
Results:
The intention-to-treat statistical analysis showed that repeated dose adjustments performed in order to obtain therapeutic plasma R-methadone levels did not improve retention in treatment of heroin-dependent patients. However, patients having plasma methadone levels in the "target range" at the beginning of the study had a better retention in treatment than controls. Furthermore, patients succeeding in keeping plasma R-methadone target levels (per protocol analysis) remained in treatment and improved their social scores better than controls. -Conclusion: Although the primary endpoint of this study was not demonstrated, a post hoc and a per protocol analysis suggested that patients in MMT with plasma R-methadone concentrations in the target range have a better therapeutic outcome than controls.
More Related Videos
07:40Preparation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Pellets and Plasma from a Single Blood Draw at Clinical Trial Sites for Biomarker Analysis
Published on: March 20, 2021
08:36Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment
Published on: April 19, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Trials
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
Clinical Trials: Overview
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
Statistical Software for Data Analysis and Clinical Trials