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

Contributing factors in the actor’s death, per the autopsy, included drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects (a medication used to treat opioid use disorder). —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

According to the autopsy report obtained by EW in December, aside from the effects of ketamine, contributing factors in the actor's death included drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects (the latter is a prescription medication that is used to treat opioid use disorder). —Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2024

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

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.