Question: Methadone is well known to cause prolongation of the QTc interval. How does the use of buprenorphine compare to morphine with regard to QTc interval prolongation?
Answer: The cited study compared the effects of methadone and buprenorphine (as well as levomethadyl acetate) with regard to the ability of each to cause prolongation of the QTc. These authors concluded that buprenorphine is associated with less QTc prolongation than levomethadyl or methadone. (Wedam EF et al. QT interval effects of methadone, levomethadyl and buprenorphine in a randomized trial. 2007 Arch Int Med 167(22):2469-2475)
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