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

In a brain flooded simultaneously with buprenorphine and another opioid—the brain of a buprenorphine patient relapsing on fentanyl, for example—buprenorphine has dibs on the relevant receptors. —Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025

Context: The program, founded in 2017, initially focused on educating primary care physicians — who may not have learned about addiction medicine during their training — on treatments for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine and methadone. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025

These medications include methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone. —Katherine Lemasters, The Conversation, 13 June 2025

This is why buprenorphine can be a powerful medication. —Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for buprenorphine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• chlorobenzene
• chlorpromazine

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.