Partial Opioid Agonist

Buprenorphine is rapidly becoming one of the preferred medications for treating opioid dependence.  Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of opioid receptors that when used appropriately can limit symptoms of withdrawal in opioid dependent patients. 

Care must be taken when initiating treatment to only begin treatment when the patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of withdrawal. Administration of buprenorphine to a patient who is opioid dependent and not exhibiting withdrawal will cause the patient to enter withdrawal, which is very unpleasant and may make the patient resistant to using this buprenorphine in the future.  Buprenorphine causes very little sedation or respiratory depression, which provides a high therapeutic index in opioid dependent patients.

Class Drugs

• Buprenorphine

Class Mechanism of Action

• Partial Mu agonist

Class Application

Opioid Detoxification

• Can be used in outpatient setting

• Shorter and less severe withdrawal than with methadone

• Occasionally mixed with naloxone to prevent abuse

• Can be administered sublingually, parenterally, or transdermal

Class Adverse Effects

Sedation, respiratory depression, and hypotension are less common than with other opioids

May precipitate withdrawal if given prior to patient naturally developing withdrawal symptoms

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Buprenorphine			"B Up" "North" "Fin"