Using methadone to manage pain after tonsil surgery

Intraoperative Methadone for Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy - a Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional University of Aarhus · NCT05445856

This study tests if giving methadone during tonsil surgery can help manage pain better than fentanyl for patients recovering from the procedure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Locations1 site (Randers)
Trial IDNCT05445856 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a single dose of methadone administered during surgery to manage postoperative pain in patients undergoing tonsillectomy. It is a randomized controlled trial comparing methadone to fentanyl, with patients randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms. The study will take place at Randers Regional Hospital in Denmark, where the drugs will be prepared and administered by trained healthcare professionals. Data on postoperative pain levels and recovery will be collected to assess the outcomes of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective tonsillectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe health conditions, allergies to the study drugs, or those on opioids prior to surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective pain management option for patients recovering from tonsillectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with methadone for pain management, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients (≥18 years) scheduled for elective tonsillectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status IV or V
* Allergy to study drugs
* Daily use of opioids 7 days prior to surgery
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Severe respiratory insufficiency
* Heart failure
* Acute alcohol intoxication/delirium tremens
* Increased intracranial pressure
* Acute liver disease
* Liver insufficiency
* Kidney insufficiency
* Treatment with rifampicin
* Treatment with any drug prolonging the QT-interval
* Pregnancy (every female not using contraceptives will be screened with urine human choriogonadotropin)
* Breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Randers

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 Postoperative PainPostoperative painMethadone
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.