Relationship of neonatal withdrawal to maternal methadone dose

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1976;3(2):339-45. doi: 10.3109/00952997609077202.

Abstract

Neonatal withdrawal is described for a sample of 70 infants born to addicted women treated with methadone and comprehensive prenatal care. Although symptoms were manifested by over 90% of the infants, those born to women receiving near-term average doses of less than or equal to 20 mg/day had significantly less symptomatology, weight loss, and need for pharmacologic treatment than those of mothers still on higher doses. Reduction of methadone dose levels during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy to less than or equal to 20 mg/day appears to reduce the severity of neonatal withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / etiology*
  • Male
  • Methadone / administration & dosage
  • Methadone / adverse effects*
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / etiology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Methadone