buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn 

-fən

: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₉H₄₁NO₄·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence.

Examples of buprenorphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two of the most effective medications for opioid use disorder are Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) and methadone. —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

State of play: Loosening of telehealth restrictions that allowed people greater access to medication to treat opioid use disorder like buprenorphine also likely helped — and are at risk of being repealed, Welsh said. —Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024

Injectable drug users were offered opioid substitution therapy such as methadone or buprenorphine, which provided them with a pathway to stabilize and eventually tackle their addiction. —David Cox, NPR, 19 Sep. 2024

Contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease and effects from buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid use disorder. —Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn, -fən 

: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is derived from thebaine and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₉H₄₁NO₄·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence. Trademarks for preparations containing buprenorphine include Bunavail, Buprenex, Butrans, Subutex, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.