methadone hydrochloride
(MEH-thuh-DONE HY-droh-KLOR-ide)
A drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also used to help people who are addicted to opioid drugs, such as heroin or prescription pain medicines. Methadone hydrochloride works by binding to opioid receptors, mainly the mu opioid receptor, in the central nervous system. This blocks pain signals and changes how the body responds to pain. It also reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorder. Methadone hydrochloride is a type of synthetic opioid agonist that works as an analgesic (pain reliever).