buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn How to pronounce buprenorphine (audio)
-fən
: 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 Drowning, coronary artery disease and effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid-use disorder, contributed to his accidental death, the autopsy report released on Friday said. Rolfe Winkler and Brianna Abbott, WSJ, 17 Dec. 2023 Methadone and buprenorphine are themselves opioids, typically taken daily. Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 2023 The report said drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid, contributed to his death. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2024 At least one study has shown that use of non-prescribed buprenorphine is protective. Joëlla W. Adams, STAT, 5 Jan. 2024 Additional factors in Perry’s death included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects (a medication used to treat opioid use disorder) were also listed as contributing factors in his death, which was ruled accidental. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 The autopsy also attributed his death to drowning and coronary artery disease, and found the late actor had an opioid in his system called buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid disorder. Brian Bushard, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects were also cited as contributing conditions in Perry’s death at the age of 54. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buprenorphine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buprenorphine was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near buprenorphine

Cite this Entry

“Buprenorphine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buprenorphine. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

buprenorphine

noun
bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn, -fən How to pronounce buprenorphine (audio)
: 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

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. Trademarks for preparations containing buprenorphine include Bunavail, Buprenex, Butrans, Subutex, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!