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Immediate Release Sublingual Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist that binds with high affinity to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while producing a ceiling effect on respiratory depression.
Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist that binds with high affinity to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while producing a ceiling effect on respiratory depression. Used for Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment, Acute pain management, Opioid withdrawal.
At a glance
| Generic name | Immediate Release Sublingual Buprenorphine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Suboxone |
| Sponsor | Royal Victoria Hospital, Canada |
| Drug class | Partial mu-opioid receptor agonist |
| Target | Mu-opioid receptor (μ-OR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Addiction Medicine / Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, meaning it produces submaximal effects compared to full agonists like morphine. The sublingual immediate-release formulation allows rapid absorption through oral mucosa, providing faster onset of action. The partial agonist profile creates a safety ceiling for respiratory depression, making it suitable for opioid use disorder treatment with lower overdose risk than full opioids.
Approved indications
- Opioid use disorder maintenance treatment
- Acute pain management
- Opioid withdrawal
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Sweating
Key clinical trials
- Monthly Versus Daily Buprenorphine Formulations for Treatment of Opiate Use Disorder (PHASE4)
- Anti-suicidal Effects of Buprenorphine in Opioid Use Disorder (PHASE4)
- Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study to Evaluate the Clinical Characteristics and Opioids Treatments in Patients With Breakthrough Cancer Pain
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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