Clinical problems associated with interactions between methadone pharmacotherapy and medications used in the treatment of HIV-1-positive and AIDS patients

Abstract

Methadone maintenance is the most effective treatment available for long-term heroin addiction. Intravenous heroin addicts are at high risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus and subsequent development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. We examine the pharmacologic interaction between methadone and medications often used in the treatment of the patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.