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KADIAN vs METHADONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. KADIAN 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.

Rating

72/100
72/100

Pharmacy pays

$2.61 /mL
$0.18 /mL

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

MORPHINE SULFATE
METHADONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Dosage forms

Capsule, extended release
Injectable, Solution, Tablet

Drug class

Opioid Agonist
Opioid Agonist

Boxed warning

Half-life

about 2 hours
about 8 to 59 hours (terminal/elimination half-life; a very wide range)

Treats

Dyspnea, Intractable Pain
Opioid-Related Disorders, Intractable Pain

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Kadian or Methadone Hydrochloride?

Kadian and Methadone Hydrochloride are tied at 3.6 out of 5 by our independent rating.

Which is cheaper, Kadian or Methadone Hydrochloride?

Methadone Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.18 vs $2.61 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 Kadian and Methadone Hydrochloride?

Kadian contains Morphine Sulfate, 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.