NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

Methadone carries a black box warning for?

1. Respiratory depression

2. QT prolongation and serious arrhythmias

3. Risk of medication errors

4. Use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

The correct answer is: QT prolongation and serious arrhythmias

Methadone carries a black box warning for QT prolongation and serious arrhythmias. This warning is important to note because methadone can cause changes in the electrical activity of the heart, leading to potentially life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Monitoring for QT prolongation is crucial when using methadone to prevent serious cardiac events. Respiratory depression is a common side effect of opioids, including methadone, but it is not the specific focus of the black box warning for methadone. The risk of medication errors is a concern for all medications but is not the reason for the black box warning on methadone. Additionally, the interaction with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is important to consider for methadone dosing adjustments but is not the primary reason for the black box warning associated with this medication.