Buprenorphine

Rare card · No. 26248

Buprenorphine is an opioid used to treat opioid use disorder, acute pain, and chronic pain. It is administered under the tongue, in the cheek, by injection (intravenous or subcutaneous), or as a skin patch or implant. Maximum pain relief generally occurs within an hour and lasts up to 24 hours. In the United States, buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is usually prescribed to discourage injection misuse. Both formulations are Schedule III controlled substances. Buprenorphine acts as an agonist, partial agonist, or antagonist at different opioid receptors. It relieves opioid withdrawal and reduces the effects of other opioids. Unlike full agonists such as heroin and methadone, it has a ceiling effect for some effects, including respiratory depression, but retains misuse potential. Side effects include respiratory depression, sleepiness, adrenal insufficiency, QT prolongation, low blood pressure, allergic reactions, constipation, and opioid addiction. It may increase seizure risk in susceptible...

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