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

Under the plan, the six facilities would provide buprenorphine or methadone to inmates who were already taking the medication immediately before incarceration. — Felice J. Freyer, BostonGlobe.com, "House backs plan to try addiction medications in some Mass. prisons," 12 July 2018 The report excluded buprenorphine and methadone, opioids that are used primarily used to treat opioid use disorder. — Sarah Gantz, Philly.com, "Prescription opioid distribution drops in Pa., N.J.," 19 June 2018 Rawson and others point to two drugs in particular that may help break your addiction: buprenorphine and methadone. — Emily Bazar, Washington Post, "Staying Alive: How To Fight An Opioid Addiction," 2 Apr. 2018 Rawson and others point to two drugs in particular that may help break your addiction: buprenorphine and methadone. — Emily Bazar, latimes.com, "When fighting an opioid addiction, prepare for years of vigilance and long-term medication," 30 Mar. 2018 An increasing number of doctors, including general practitioners, are seeking training to use medications such as methadone, buprenorphine or Suboxone to treat patients with drug addictions. — Beth Warren, The Courier-Journal, "Tired of going to funerals, this doctor treats addiction with drugs," 21 June 2018 Of the patients who did receive medication, 3,022 adults were on buprenorphine, known by the brand name Suboxone, and 2,040 patients were on methadone. — Martha Bebinger, Washington Post, "After Opioid Overdose, Only 30 Percent Get Medicine To Treat Addiction," 19 June 2018 Jefferson now relies on buprenorphine to treat NAS. — Marie Mccullough, Philly.com, "Newborns in opioid withdrawal may do better on methadone than morphine, major study finds," 18 June 2018 And current regulations do not allow opioid addicts to receive long-term buprenorphine treatment inside Ohio jails. — Terry Demio, USA TODAY, "Incarcerated opioid addicts often have to tough out withdrawal. Some jails say they have a better way.," 23 May 2018

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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20 Oct 2018

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The first known use of buprenorphine was in 1974

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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