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

His death was ruled an accident, and other contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024

Other contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder. —Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024

Nor did a doctor prescribe buprenorphine or explain the importance of the medication to Carrie. —Seyward Darby, Longreads, 2 Oct. 2024

Grigson’s team found that administering GLP-1 drugs in combination with buprenorphine, a current treatment for opioid use disorder, was also highly effective. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 25 June 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.