What are the two types of methadone? The Enantiomers of a Complex Drug
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4 min read
Methadone, a synthetic opioid, is chemically known as a chiral molecule, meaning it has two non-superimposable mirror-image forms called enantiomers. These two forms, R-methadone and S-methadone, are the two types of methadone that manifest in the clinical product, influencing its diverse effects on the body. While the drug is primarily used in a mixture for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and pain management, understanding the properties of its individual isomers provides deeper insight into its pharmacology.
