buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn 

-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

Some medications, like naltrexone and buprenorphine, are used specifically to prevent relapse in people trying to recover from opioid use disorder. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026

Across the board, patients who received higher doses of buprenorphine – usually 17 to 24 milligrams per day, but sometimes more – stayed in treatment significantly longer than those who started on medium doses of 9 to 16 milligrams, or lower doses of 8 milligrams. —Rachel French, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026

Sublingual — meaning placed under the tongue — strips of buprenorphine are marketed under the brand name Suboxone, which was approved by the FDA in October 2002. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

Declined to apply for a state grant of up to $400,000 to test the use of the drug buprenorphine to combat opioid use disorder. —Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for buprenorphine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• chlorobenzene
• chlorpromazine

Medical Definition

buprenorphine

noun

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

: 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.