Resource Center: General information - buprenorphine, Pharmacology

Buprenorphine/naloxone combination formulations are designed to minimize the potential for abuse of buprenorphine. When taken as indicated (sublingually), the naloxone component has virtually no effect on the patient; however, when injected, the naloxone component attenuates buprenorphine's reinforcing effects and possibly will induce withdrawal (Johnson et al., 2003).

This article reviews the role of buprenorphine in treating patients with pain.

This short paragraph on why patients should not combine buprenorphine with sedatives, especially benzodiazapines.

This article provides guidance on the management and treatment of acute pain in patients receiving buprenorphine/naloxone.

Study examining the hypothesis that the clinical effectiveness of buprenorphine maintenance is due to its ability to decrease mu-opioid receptor availability.

How opioids and buprenorphine affect the brain.

List of drugs that interact with buprenorphine due to their metabolism by Cytochrome P450.

One-page handout that provides graphics and a description of the pharmacology of buprenorphine in layman's terms.

This overview of buprenorphine includes a brief summary of the mechanism of action, regulatory requirements, pharmacology, and clinical studies.