Oral and Intravenous Methadone for Analgesia in Cardiac Surgery

Comparison of Oral and Intravenous Methadone for Analgesia in Cardiac Surgery

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of administration of oral methadone preoperatively and intravenous methadone upon induction of general anesthesia on postoperative pain for patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing elective cardiac surgery as the first case of the day in an operating room

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic pain requiring opioid medications as an outpatient
• Opioid use disorder on medication assistance treatment
• Prolonged QTc > 500ms
• Chronic kidney disease with eGFR < 30mL/min
• Documented cirrhosis
• Intolerance to methadone
• Subsequent surgeries after index surgery