Methadone tested to shorten time on breathing machines in ICU
NCT ID NCT02025855
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving methadone to ICU patients on breathing machines could help them get off the ventilator faster. Patients who needed strong painkillers were given either methadone or a placebo. The trial was stopped early and only included 9 people, so no firm conclusions can be drawn.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Methadone
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, this approach could help ICU patients on breathing machines get off the ventilator sooner, reducing complications.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early with only 9 participants, so results are very limited. Methadone can also cause dangerous heart rhythm changes in rare cases.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit, Michigan, 48202, United States
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