Klin Farmakol Farm. 2026;40(1):67-69 | DOI: 10.36290/far.2026.005

Methadone poisoning in a child

Alice Nogolová^{1, 2, 3}, Markéta Ručková^{1, 2, 4}, Petra Matalová⁵

¹ Klinika dětského lékařství, Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava

² Dětské lékařství, Městská nemocnice Ostrava

³ Fakulta veřejných politik v Opavě, Ústav nelékařských zdravotnických studií, Opava

⁴ Lékařská fakulta Ostravské univerzity, Ostrava

⁵ Ústav farmakologie Lékařské fakulty Univerzity Palackého a Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc

Intoxication and accidental ingestion of toxic substances is a common cause of hospita­lization in children, especially younger ones. Usually, the cause of ingestion is improper storage of toxic substances and their easy accessibility to children. The most common causes of poisoning are the ingestion of medicines, chemicals, drugs, including alcohol, and natural substances. We describe a case of intoxication in a four-year-old boy, who accidentally ingested methadone, used by his stepfather in substitution treatment of opiate addiction, he received treatment with opiate antidote naloxone. Though is this type of intoxication being rare in children, it can be serious or even fatal. Rapid and appropriately chosen therapy is essential - the administration of opiate antidote.

Keywords: intoxication, methadone, naloxone, opioids, childhood.

Received: October 27, 2025; Revised: February 13, 2026; Accepted: February 16, 2026; Published: April 20, 2026  Show citation