Buprenorphine is a medication to relieve moderate to severe pain. Besides, this medicine also It is used in the treatment of addiction and abuse of opioid drugs. This drug can be combined with naloxone.
Buprenorphine works by binding to opioid receptors. This way of working will help reduce withdrawal symptoms when a person is undergoing a decrease in the dose of an opioid drug. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Buprenorphine trademark: Subboxone
What is Buprenorphine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Opioid painkillers |
| Benefit | Relieves moderate to severe pain and as a drug to treat dependence or abuse of other opioid drugs |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Buprenorphine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Buprenorphine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Sublingual tablets |
Precautions Before Using Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using buprenorphine:
- Do not use buprenorphine if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness while you are being treated with buprenorphine, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you have ileus, severe diarrhea, benign enlargement of the prostate gland, constipation, or a disease of the respiratory tract, such as COPD, asthma, or sleep apnea.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from alcoholism, drug abuse, liver disease, kidney disease, brain tumor, electrolyte disturbances, mental disorders, or have ever had a head injury.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking buprenorphine if you plan to have surgery or other medical procedures, including dental surgery.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using buprenorphine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine should not be used carelessly. The dose of the drug will be determined by the doctor according to the age, dosage form of the drug, and the patient's condition. For sublingual buprenorphine tablets, in general, these are the dosages:
Condition: Moderate to severe pain
- Mature: 200–400 mcg, every 6–8 hours or as needed.
- Children aged 6–12 years weighing 16–25 kg: 100 mcg, every 6–8 hours.
- Children aged 6–12 years weighing >25–37.5 kg: 100–200 mcg, every 6–8 hours.
- Children aged 6–12 years weighing >37.5–50 kg: 200–300 mcg, every 6–8 hours.
Condition: Opioid dependence
- Mature: Initial dose 0.8–4 mg, once daily. The maintenance dose is not more than 32 mg daily. Once the patient is stable, the dose can be gradually reduced and the doctor can stop the medication.
Condition: Premedication before anesthesia
- Mature: 400 mcg.
How to useBuprenorphine Correctly
Make sure you read the instructions on the medicine package and follow your doctor's instructions when using buprenorphine. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
If you are taking buprenorphine as a sublingual tablet, place the medication under the tongue whole and allow it to dissolve. Do not consume food or drink until the tablet is completely dissolved in the mouth.
If you forget to take buprenorphine, take it immediately if the break with the next scheduled use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
While on treatment with buprenorphine, you may be asked to have a complete blood count and liver function tests, on a regular basis. Make sure to carry out regular check-ups according to the schedule given by the doctor.
Store buprenorphine in a dry, closed place away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Buprenorphine with Other Drugs
There are several drug interaction effects that can occur when buprenorphine is used together with other drugs, namely:
- Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or hypotension, when used with this medicine monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), such as isocarboxacid
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) if used with chloroquine, cisapride, moxifloxacin, or dolasetron
- Increased risk of fatal side effects when used with anesthetics, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, or benzodiazepine drugs, such as diazepam
Buprenopherine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the common side effects that can occur after taking buprenopherine are:
- Dizziness or feeling floating
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- dry mouth
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Very heavy dizziness
- Seizures
- Sleepiness that is so heavy that it's hard to get up
- Faint
- Difficulty breathing, stop breathing during sleep (sleep apnea) or breathing becomes very slow
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Difficult to urinate
- Restlessness, confusion, or hallucinations
Although rare, the use of buprenorphine can cause liver disease, which can be characterized by severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea and vomiting, or jaundice.
