Intraoperative methadone: promise and pitfalls

The purpose of this review is to summarize clinical evidence on intraoperative methadone, with emphasis on its analgesic efficacy, safety profile, and potential role within multimodal perioperative strategies. It highlights findings from meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials published within the past 18 months.

Methadone's long half-life and dual μ-opioid and N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor activity support its use as a long-acting intraoperative opioid providing extended postoperative analgesia. Early studies demonstrated clear opioid-sparing effects, but recent studies show variable results depending on procedure type, comparator, and multimodal context, including the adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Safety data remain reassuring, with no increased risk of respiratory depression and rare clinically significant QT prolongation at standard intraoperative doses. Intermediate dosing (0.15-0.25 mg kg -1 ) offers an optimal balance between analgesia and recovery.

Intraoperative methadone remains a selective but valuable adjunct for perioperative pain management. Its benefits are most evident in high-pain procedures, but some efficacy has also been demonstrated in ambulatory surgery, including in pediatric populations. Safety is comparable to other opioids, though variable pharmacokinetics and delayed recovery warrant careful patient selection.