Buprenorphine - Drug Information

Generic Name : Buprenorphine
Pronunciation : byoo-pre-NOR-feen

ICD Code : | Therapeutic Classification : Opioid Dependance Agents

Trade Name(s) :

India - Addnok, Tidigesic (0.2 mg), Pentorel (2 ml), Pentorel, Norphin, Buprinor, Tidigesic (2 ml), Bunogesic 0.3mg Injection 2ml, Tidigesic (1 ml), Morgesic, Morgesic (2 ml), Buprine, Buprigesic (0.3 mg), Talgesic, Bunogesic (2ml), Buprene, Buprigesic (2 ml)


International - Subutex.

Why is Buprenorphine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a narcotic analgesic, prescribed for moderate to severe pain.

When should Buprenorphine not to be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated during labor, and in people with known hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Buprenorphine?

Adult- IM/SC/IV- The recommended dose is 0.3 to 0.6mg.
Sublingual- The recommended dose is 0.2 to 0.4mg, tree or four times per day.

How should Buprenorphine be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the large muscle or into the vein.
It also comes as a tablet to be placed under the tongue.

What are the warnings and precautions for Buprenorphine?

* Caution should be exercised in patients with history of slow breathing, drowsiness, stomach problems, diarrhea, head injury, stroke, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, lung or other breathing problem (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), underactive thyroid, changes in blood electrolytes level, enlarged prostate, urinary obstruction, seizures, liver or kidney disease, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children especially less than 2 years old, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
* It may cause drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery and get up slowly from bed while taking this medication.
* Avoid alcohol consumption.

What are the side effects of Buprenorphine?

Most Common - Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased sweating, headache, low blood pressure and shortness of breath.
Central Nervous System - Confusion, blurred vision, emotion, weakness/fatigue, dry mouth, nervousness, depression, slurred speech and tingling.
Heart - High blood pressure and fast or slow heart rate.
Gastrointestinal - Constipation.
Respiratory - Difficulty in breathing and bluish.
Skin - Itching.
Eye and ENT - Double vision and visual abnormalities.
Miscellaneous - Injection site reaction, urinary retention, dreaming, flushing/warmth, and chills/cold, ringing in the ear, eye inflammation and mental illness.

What are the other precautions for Buprenorphine?

* Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Buprenorphine?

Store it at room temperature (25�C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Schedule H

Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.