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Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

Methadone safety data

GHS hazards, precautions, first aid, handling and transport for Methadone. A classification summary, not a safety data sheet.
CAS 76-99-3Formula C21H27NO
Narcotic drug

Methadone is prohibited on CompoundList. Listings, quotes and messages are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Listing and enquiries are not allowed for this substance.

Reference: UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, HS 2022 subheading 2922.31 (methadone and related analgesics)

Our policy on controlled substances

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

GHS classification

Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification

GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
Signal word
Danger

Hazard classes and categories

  • Acute Tox. 1/2 (oral)
  • STOT SE 3 (narcotic effects)
  • Aquatic Chronic 3

Hazard statements

H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement

Health hazards

  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Environmental hazards

  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Precautionary statements

P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal

Prevention

  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.

Response

  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.

Storage

  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.

Disposal

  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

Handling, storage and disposal

Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade

Safe handling

Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU). /Methadone hydrochloride/ Skin protection: Handle with gloves. /Methadone hydrochloride/

Storage

Methadone hydrochloride preparations should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers. Methadone hydrochloride oral concentrate and oral solution should be stored at 15-30 °C, the tablets and injection should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 25 °C, but may be exposed to temperatures ranging from 15-30 °C. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Light sensitive. Keep in a dry place. /Methadone hydrochloride/

Disposal

SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.

Exposure limits and toxicity

Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data

The peak respiratory depressant effect of methadone occurs later, and persists longer than the peak analgesic effect, especially during the initial dosing period. QT interval prolongation and serious arrhythmia (torsades de pointes) have occurred during treatment with methadone. Most cases involve patients being treated for pain with large, multiple daily doses of methadone, although cases have been reported in patients receiving doses commonly used for maintenance treatment of opioid addiction. Acute overdosage produces signs of opioid toxicity, circulatory and CNS depression, lethargy, coma, respiratory depression, and decreased GI motility with ileus.

Supplier safety data sheets

SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical

No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Methadone yet.

Safety questions

Quick answers about handling Methadone safely

Is Methadone hazardous?

Methadone carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: fatal if swallowed, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

Which GHS pictograms apply to Methadone?

The GHS classification of Methadone shows 2 pictograms: GHS06 (acute toxicity (severe)), GHS07 (harmful or irritant).

How should Methadone be stored?

Methadone hydrochloride preparations should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers. Methadone hydrochloride oral concentrate and oral solution should be stored at 15-30 °C, the tablets and injection should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 25 °C, but may be exposed to temperatures ranging from 15-30 °C. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Light se…

Where can I get the SDS for Methadone?

Ask the supplier for the safety data sheet of the exact grade you buy. Suppliers on CompoundList can attach their SDS to listings and send it with a quote. This page is a GHS classification summary, not an SDS.

GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error