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EXALGO vs METHADONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 21, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. EXALGO and METHADONE HYDROCHLORIDE are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

exalgomethadone hydrochloride

Rating

70/100
72/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.57 /mL
$0.18 /mL

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE
METHADONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Specgx LLC
Hikma

Dosage forms

Tablet, extended release
Injectable, Solution, Tablet

Drug class

Opioid Agonist
Opioid Agonist

Boxed warning

None
Boxed warning

Half-life

about 2.3 hours (terminal elimination half-life after an intravenous dose); after an oral dose the label reports a mean T½ of about 2.6 hours for the 8 mg tablet and 2.8 hours for the oral liquid
about 8 to 59 hours (terminal/elimination half-life; a very wide range)

Treats

Cough, Postoperative Pain
Opioid-Related Disorders, Intractable Pain

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Exalgo or Methadone Hydrochloride?

By our independent rating, Methadone Hydrochloride scores higher — 3.6 vs 3.5 out of 5 for Exalgo. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Exalgo or Methadone Hydrochloride?

Methadone Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.18 vs $0.57 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Exalgo and Methadone Hydrochloride?

Exalgo contains Hydromorphone Hydrochloride, while Methadone Hydrochloride contains Methadone Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.