Effects observed during subchronic administration of l-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) to guinea pigs

l-Alpha acetylmethadol in water was administered by gavage to male and female guinea pigs over a period of 4 weeks: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 mg/kg; Fridays, 3 mg/kg. Appropriate volumes of water were administered to control animals on the same schedule. Treated animals consumed significantly less feed (p less than .05) and weighed less (p less than .05) than control animals. After 4 weeks, heart rates in treated animals were less than heart rates in control animals (p less than .05). There was a higher mortality rate associated with the treated group. Dry and dull coats, runny or loose stools, scabs and sores, and alopecia were observed frequently in the treated group of animals.