Buprenorphine

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Oct 30, 2023

Drug Details


Generic Name:

Buprenorphine

Common Brands:

Subutex (no longer available), a combination of buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist), is available under the brand names Zubsolv and Bunavail; the combination of buprenorphine-naloxone sold under the brand name Suboxone has been discontinued

Availability:

Prescription only

Therapeutic Class:

Partial opioid agonists

Forms:

Sublingual tablet and buccal film

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

Opioid use disorder

Controlled Status:

Schedule III controlled substance


Buprenorphine Drug Class

Buprenorphine (byoo-preh-nor-feen) is a partial opioid agonist.

Buprenorphine Age Range

Buprenorphine treatment is for adults with opioid dependence. The safety and efficacy of this drug have not been established in the pediatric population. Unintentional exposure to buprenorphine in children can lead to severe, even fatal respiratory depression.