Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication primarily used for the treatment of opioid use disorder and management of moderate to severe pain. As a partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors with antagonist activity at kappa-opioid receptors, it provides therapeutic effects with a reduced risk of respiratory depression compared to full opioid agonists. It is typically administered as a sublingual tablet.
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used for opioid use disorder treatment and pain management, functioning as a partial agonist with a ceiling effect on respiratory depression.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02AE01
- RxNorm
- 1819
- Generic
- Buprenorphine
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- Zubsolv, Bunavail, Simbadol, Belbuca, Sublocade, Buprenex, Zorbium, Brixadi, Suboxone, BuTrans
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- sublingual, topical
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 16-32mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1-6mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 8-16mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose if benefits outweigh risks
consider continuing if already on buprenorphine for OUD as discontinuation may pose greater risk; avoid initiating unless clearly needed
regular prenatal monitoring, fetal growth assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestermaintain stable dose, avoid abrupt discontinuation
continue maintenance therapy to prevent withdrawal and relapse; neonatal abstinence syndrome may occur in newborn
fetal monitoring, prepare for neonatal abstinence syndrome assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
buprenorphine is compatible with breastfeeding; low infant exposure through milk
monitor infant for excessive sedation or respiratory depression
geriatric
elderly over 65start at lower dose, consider dose reduction
use reduced initial doses and titrate slowly; increased sensitivity to sedative effects
monitor for respiratory depression, sedation, cognitive impairment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
use in pediatric patients for pain management with careful titration; not recommended for OUD treatment in children under 16
close monitoring of respiratory status, sedation levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17 yearsadult dosing with careful titration
may be used for OUD treatment in adolescents with careful monitoring
monitor for misuse, respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose and extend dosing interval
buprenorphine is hepatically metabolized but metabolites may accumulate in severe renal impairment; use reduced doses
monitor for accumulation, adjust dose based on response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose by approximately 50%
buprenorphine undergoes hepatic metabolism; impaired liver function affects drug clearance
monitor liver function, adjust dose based on clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentsignificant dose reduction required
use with extreme caution; consider alternative therapy
frequent monitoring of liver function and drug response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent alcohol useavoid concurrent use
alcohol increases risk of respiratory depression and sedation; avoid combining buprenorphine with alcohol
monitor for respiratory depression, excessive sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for opioid dependence treatment
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic applications
Controlled substance schedule
Regulatory classification
FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (maintenance therapy) and management of moderate to severe pain. The sublingual formulation is primarily used for medication-assisted treatment of opioid dependence.
As a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, buprenorphine activates the receptor to a lesser degree than full agonists, providing analgesic effects. Its antagonist activity at the kappa-opioid receptor may contribute to reduced dysphoria and anti-depressive effects.
Has a lower risk of respiratory depression than full opioid agonists due to its partial agonist properties. Can precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients if administered too soon after a full agonist. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and constipation. Has potential for dependence and should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy