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

The autopsy report also cited drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine — a drug used to treat opioid use disorder — as contributing to his death. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024

Contributing factors in the Friends actor’s death included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder). —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2024

The 17 Again actor died from acute effects of ketamine with drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects also listed as contributing factors. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2024

The report also cited coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects as contributing conditions. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 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.