Buprenorphine & Norbuprenorphine

General Information

Buprenorphine (Buprenex, Buprex, Subutex, Transtec, ingredient of Suboxone) is a synthetic thebaine derivative that has both analgesic and opiod antagonist properties. As an analgesic, it is about 25 to 40 times more potent than morphine. When used as an antagonist is is equivalent in potency to naltrexone. The usual dose is 0.3 - 0.6 mg given parenterally, or 0.2 - 0.4 mg by the sublingual route every 6 - 8 hours. A transdermal patch, supplying 35 - 70 ug/hr over 3 days has been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain.

Symptoms of buprenorphine overdosage include confusion, dizziness, miosis, hallucinations, hypotension, respiratory difficulty, seizures and coma.