Methadone in Tanzania: NEMLIT level, who can prescribe it and STG references

Methadone is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at level C (council or district hospital). It is not on the DukaDawa pharmacy network yet, so we show no brands or prices for it. The Standard Treatment Guidelines mention it in 7 sections.

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Is methadone available on the DukaDawa pharmacy network?

Not yet. Methadone is not in the DukaDawa network catalogue, so we have no brands, prices or stock for it.

Prescribers can still write it on a DukadawaRx prescription, and we show it here as soon as a network pharmacy lists it.

Is methadone on the NEMLIT, and who can prescribe it?

Yes. Methadone is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at level C (council or district hospital). At level C it may be prescribed by specialists, medical officers, dental officers and assistant medical officers.

Level
C (council or district hospital)
Category
Opioid Analgesics/Antagonists (Medicines for Pain and Palliative Care)
Listed forms
Tablet: 5mg; 10mg (as hydrochloride); Oral liquid: 5mg/5mL; 10mg/5mL (as hydrochloride); Concentrate for oral liquid: 5mg/mL; 10mg/mL (as hydrochloride); Oral liquid: 5mg/5mL; 10mg/5mL
Page
NEMLIT, p. 5
Who may prescribe at each NEMLIT level (STG/NEMLIT 7th edition, Part I, Table 1). Levels listed for this medicine are highlighted.
LevelFacilityWho may prescribe
ADispensarySpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer, Assistant Clinical Officer
BHealth centreSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer
C (listed)Council or district hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer
DRegional referral hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer
SZonal, special and national hospitalsSpecialist

A medicine is listed from the lowest facility level where it should be available.

Where is methadone in the Standard Treatment Guidelines?

The Standard Treatment Guidelines (7th edition, 2026) mention methadone in 7 sections, most often section 7.2.4 Treatment of Tuberculosis in Special Cases > People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) (p. 162). See the STG for treatment details.

  • 7.2.4 Treatment of Tuberculosis in Special Cases > People Who Inject Drugs (PWID), p. 162
  • 25.2.9 Specific poisons > Opioid Poisoning, p. 704
  • 23.15.3.1 Substance Related Disorder > Substance Withdrawal > Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium (Delirium Tremens), p. 646
  • 6.1.1 Management of Adult and Adolescent Living with HIV with Antiretroviral Therapy > First-Line Regimens for Adults and Adolescents, p. 135
  • 23.15.1.2 Substance Related Disorder > Substance Use Disorder > Opioid Use Disorder, p. 644
  • 24.7.6 Clinical Conditions, Disorders and their Nutritional Management > Neurological Diseases and Disorders, p. 685
  • 25.2.4 Specific poisons > Organophosphorus and Carbamate Compounds Poisoning, p. 699

Sections that mention Methadone, most mentions first. Positions only: see the STG for treatment details.

All opioid analgesics/antagonists on the NEMLIT

Sources

  • Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List (STG/NEMLIT), 7th edition, 2026, Ministry of Health, United Republic of Tanzania

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STG positions are section numbers and printed page numbers only.

This page supports licensed prescribers and pharmacists. It is not medical advice and does not replace the Standard Treatment Guidelines, the product information or professional judgement. Prices and stock change often: confirm with the pharmacy.

For licensed prescribers and pharmacists. Not medical advice. Check the Standard Treatment Guidelines before prescribing.