buprenorphine

noun

bu·pre·nor·phine | \ ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn

, -fən \

Definition of buprenorphine

: 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 The new policy will allow any physician with a Drug Enforcement Administration prescriber license to treat up to 30 in-state patients with buprenorphine. — Lev Facher, STAT, "Trump administration will let nearly all doctors prescribe addiction medicine buprenorphine," 14 Jan. 2021 Methadone and buprenorphine have proved effective in helping heroin users overcome their addiction, but stifling regulations have hindered their availability. — Steve Chapman Chicago Tribune, Star Tribune, "Oregon leads the way in across-the-board decriminalization," 10 Dec. 2020 Methadone and buprenorphine have proven effective in helping heroin users overcome their addiction, but burdensome regulations have hindered their availability. — Steve Chapman, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Oregon makes the case for decriminalizing hard drugs," 9 Dec. 2020 Three hospitals last year started programs to connect overdose patients with buprenorphine, a medication that curbs cravings. — Fenit Nirappil, Washington Post, "Despite efforts by Bowser, D.C. Council, record number of opioid deaths this year," 5 Dec. 2020 BrightView restarted her on buprenorphine for her heroin addiction and set her up with the DynamiCare app and debit card as an incentive to stay off meth. — Abby Goodnough New York Times, Star Tribune, "This addiction treatment works. But it's controversial, underused.," 31 Oct. 2020 BrightView restarted her on buprenorphine for her heroin addiction and set her up with the DynamiCare app and debit card as an incentive to stay off meth. — Abby Goodnough New York Times, Star Tribune, "This addiction treatment works. But it's controversial, underused.," 31 Oct. 2020 BrightView restarted her on buprenorphine for her heroin addiction and set her up with the DynamiCare app and debit card as an incentive to stay off meth. — Abby Goodnough, New York Times, "This Addiction Treatment Works. Why Is It So Underused?," 27 Oct. 2020 Two opioids, buprenorphine and methadone, are effective treatments but pregnant women often face stigma in using them and doctors who prescribe them are scarce. — Lindsey Tanner, Star Tribune, "New guidelines address rise in opioid use during pregnancy," 26 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'buprenorphine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

31 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Buprenorphine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buprenorphine. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for buprenorphine

buprenorphine

noun

bu·pre·nor·phine | \ ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn, -fən

Medical Definition of buprenorphine

: 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