Background
Methadone is an effective analgesic and it is widely used to suppress withdrawal symptoms from other opiates. Its consumption is usually associated with concomitant drug use in heroin addicts, and this combination is a possible risk factor for lethal outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze characteristics of methadone-related deaths (MRDs), and to evaluate the concomitant use of the drugs that can contribute to methadone toxicity.