Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Methadone is dosed at 3–5 mg/kg SC, IM q24h in red-eared sliders, per Sladky KK, Mans C. Clinical analgesia in reptiles. J Exot Pet Med. 2012;21:17-32. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.255 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.6 (Analgesic (Including Antiinflammatory) Agents Used in Reptiles). Methadone is used in red-eared sliders for Analgesia. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: SC, IM. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Methadone in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Methadose
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC, IM | 3–5 mg/kg | q24h | Analgesia | Weak | Sladky KK, Mans C. Clinical analgesia in reptiles. J Exot Pet Med. 2012;21:17-32. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.255 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.6 (Analgesic (Including Antiinflammatory) Agents Used in Reptiles).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
| Dose (mg/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 | SC | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.6 | 3-5 mg/kg SC, IM q24h,431 |
| 3–5 | SC | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6 | 3-5 mg/kg SC, IM58,306 Aquatic turtles/analgesia |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.
Typical range: 0.2–2.2 kg
If provided, volume will be calculated alongside dose.
Reference only. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Full mu-opioid receptor agonist providing analgesia. Also antagonizes NMDA receptors and inhibits serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake, contributing to multimodal analgesia.
Respiratory depression. Bradycardia. No histamine release (advantage over morphine). NMDA antagonism provides wind-up prevention. Controlled substance (Schedule II). Dogs and cats.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Methadone dose range in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: SC, IM 3–5 mg/kg q24h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Methadone in red-eared sliders: SC, IM.
Methadone is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Analgesia.
These are general warnings for Methadone across species; consult the red-eared slider dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Respiratory depression. Bradycardia. No histamine release (advantage over morphine). NMDA antagonism provides wind-up prevention. Controlled substance (Schedule II). Dogs and cats.
Why a species-specific page? Methadone pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in red-eared sliders — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.