Fatal Methadone Poisoning in Children: Report of Four Cases

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Abstract
During the past two years, the Brooklyn office of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City has encountered four deaths in children due to methadone poisoning. In all cases, prepared methadone drinks or methadone hydrochloride tablets were carelessly left around the house within the reach of children by either parents or friends of the family who were on a methadone maintenance program. The increasing use of this oral methadone maintenance technique in the management of heroin addicts has made this drug more accessible, thereby increasing the danger of accidental ingestion by children. It is to be expected that with even wider adoption of this program, that accidental methadone poisoning in children will become more common. Four deaths in children due to methadone poisoning are presented in this communication.

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