Growth retardation in young mice treated with d1-methadone

Newborn mice injected daily for 6 weeks with dl-methadone in dosages of 2 to 8 milligrams per kilogram grew significantly more slowly than their saline-treated littermates. Litters given d-methadone, 4 milligrams per kilogram, grew normally. Concomitant treatment with naloxone, 10 milligrams per kilogram, prevented growth inhibition. A weight deficit persisted in mice observed 6 weeks after cessation of methadone treatment.