Comparing oral and intravenous methadone for pain relief in heart surgery

Comparison of Oral and Intravenous Methadone for Analgesia in Cardiac Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT06720415

This study tests whether taking methadone by mouth before heart surgery works better for pain relief after the surgery compared to getting it through an IV during anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06720415 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oral methadone administered before surgery compared to intravenous methadone given during the induction of general anesthesia in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. The goal is to determine which method provides better postoperative pain management. Participants will receive either form of methadone to assess their pain levels after the procedure. This is a Phase 4 interventional study conducted at the Mayo Clinic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery as the first case of the day.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain requiring opioid medications, opioid use disorder, or significant comorbidities such as severe kidney disease or cirrhosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored methadone for pain management, but this specific comparison of oral versus intravenous administration in cardiac surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing elective cardiac surgery as the first case of the day in an operating room

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic pain requiring opioid medications as an outpatient
* Opioid use disorder on medication assistance treatment
* Prolonged QTc \> 500ms
* Chronic kidney disease with eGFR \< 30mL/min
* Documented cirrhosis
* Intolerance to methadone
* Subsequent surgeries after index surgery

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnesthesiaCardiac Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.