What Do Methadone Pills Look Like?

Methadone pills are small, white, and either round or oblong in appearance. They may contain imprints of letters and numbers, including the letters M and N and the numbers 128, 142, or 54.

Methadone is an opioid agonist that can reduce opioid cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and other symptoms of opioid dependence and addiction. The drug is available as a tablet or a liquid solution under the brand names Methadose and Dolophine.

Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance with a risk of drug abuse and addiction. The use of methadone is carefully managed by opioid addiction treatment providers, so the drug can work as intended.

What Do Methadone Pills Look Like?

Methadone tablets contain between 5 to 10 mg of methadone hydrochloride. These tablets work by binding to the same opioid receptors as other opioid drugs, blocking their negative effects. Methadone may also offer some chronic pain relief in place of other prescription opiates.

Colors

Methadone pills are white or off-white in colors. Other colors may not be present on methadone pills and tablets.

Shapes

Methadone pills are round or oblong in shape, which can be common shapes shared by many prescription drugs.

Imprints

Imprints of numbers and letters are present on most methadone pills. Common imprints on methadone pills may include:

• the letter N and the number 128
• the numbers 54 and 142
• the letter M and the numbers 57 and 71

These imprints indicate the active ingredients in each tablet, the dosage, and the manufacturer of the methadone product.

Methadone Treatment

Methadone maintenance is a form of medication-assisted treatment, where approved prescription drugs can manage physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and other aspects of a substance use disorder.

Although methadone is approved to treat opioid use disorder as well as heroin addiction, it can still cause side effects. 

Side effects of methadone may include dry mouth, sedation, drowsiness, respiratory depression, and constipation. These side effects can be managed by your healthcare provider by changing each dose of methadone.

Medication-assisted treatments are an effective part of opioid addiction treatment programs, which may also include buprenorphine and naltrexone. To learn about our methadone treatment options, please contact us today.