What it means
A partial opioid agonist: it attaches firmly to opioid receptors but activates them only partly, so it eases cravings and withdrawal with less euphoria and a lower (but real) risk of slowed breathing than full opioids. It comes as tablets or films that dissolve under the tongue or in the cheek (often combined with naloxone as Suboxone), monthly or weekly injections, a skin patch and an injection for pain. Given too soon after a full opioid, it can bring on sudden withdrawal. Its name can be confused with hydromorphonehy-droh-MOR-foneA strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.Full entry .
For the nurse
Check breathing and sedation, especially if the client also takes benzodiazepines, alcohol or other sedatives. Teach the client to let the tablet or film dissolve completely under the tongue without chewing or swallowing it, and to see a dentist regularly. Keep naloxone available.
At a glance
| Drug class | opioid partial agonist |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Buprenex, Belbuca, Butrans, Sublocade, Brixadi |
| Spanish | buprenorfina |
| Also written | Belbuca, Brixadi, Buprenex, Butrans, Sublocade |
Easy to confuse with
hydromorphone
A strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
hydromorphone
A strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.