VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Karolina Porowska

Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid, especially administered transdermally, to bypass the first-pass effect. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of µ receptors (MOR) and an antagonist of δ (DOR) and κ receptors (KOR). The drug was first patented in 1965. It has been used in parenteral form in medicine since 1978, in the form of a sublingual tablet since 1981, and a transdermal patch was introduced in the 1990s. The drug can be purchased at a pharmacy with a prescription.

Composition of buprenorphine

Tablet(Bunondol 0.2 / 0.4 mg) contains:

  • active ingredient: as buprenorphine hydrochloride;
  • excipients: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, povidone K-25, magnesium stearate.

Transdermal patch(Transtec 35 μg / h, 20 mg; Transtec 52.5 μg / h, 30 mg; Transtec 70 μg / h, 40 mg) contains:

  • active ingredient of buprenorphine (Buprenorphinum);
  • excipients: adhesive matrix (buprenorphine-containing), adhesive matrix (buprenorphine-free), release film placed between adhesive matrices with and without buprenorphine, outer cover layer, removable sheath covering the surface of the buprenorphine-containing adhesive matrix.

Action of buprenofin

Buprenorphine has analgesic and anesthetic properties. It has a complex mechanism of action as it is a partial agonist of µ receptors and an antagonist of δ and κ receptors. It also affects receptors for nociceptin (NOP) called orphanin (FQ) or κ-3 receptors. The effect of buprenorphine, compared to morphine, is approx. 30 times stronger and longer.

Use of buprenofin

Buprenorphine has been used in the treatment of:

  • moderate and severe pain in the course of cancer
  • pain of high intensity in the course of other diseases.

Indications for the use of buprenofin

It is recommended to use the drug in case of pain of various origin, moderate to severe, requiring the use of an opioid analgesic.

Contraindications to the use of buprenofin

Do not use the drug if you are allergicto buprenorphine or allergic to any of the modules listed in the drug.

Dosage of buprenofin

The drug should be used as described in the patient information leaflet or according to specific guidelines and recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Precautions

When using the drug, special care should be taken in patients with respiratory diseases due to the risk of respiratory disorders and with impaired liver function.

Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with:

  • adrenal insufficiency,
  • hypothyroidism,
  • prostatic hyperplasia,
  • mental disorders,
  • urethral stricture
  • and inhibition of the central nervous system.

Side effects of buprenofin

Buprenorphine can cause:

  • immune system disorders,
  • metabolism and eating disorders,
  • loss of appetite,
  • mental disorders,
  • confusion,
  • sleep disorders,
  • restlessness,
  • shortness of breath,
  • hallucinations,
  • feeling anxious,
  • nightmares,
  • decreased sex drive,
  • addiction,
  • sudden changes in mood,
  • dizziness,
  • headaches,
  • sedation,
  • sleepiness,
  • deterioration of concentration,
  • speech disorder,
  • feeling numb,
  • imbalance,
  • paresthesia,
  • fasciculations of muscles,
  • abnormal taste sensation,
  • visual disturbance,
  • blurred vision,
  • eyelid swelling,
  • hot flashes,
  • respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders and others.

Interaction with other drugs and diseases

In order to avoid undesirable ailments, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications that are currently or recently used, as well as about medications that the patient is going to use.

You should also inform your doctor about your current he alth condition, about any diseases or additional ailments you are struggling with.

Mainly do not combine buprenofine with phenothiazines and tricyclic antidepressants as this increases the risk of respiratory depression.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Before taking the drug, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Usually, use is not recommendedbuprenorphine in pregnant women and during breastfeeding.

Storing medicine

The drug should be stored in a suitable place that is invisible and inaccessible to children. Store in a dry place below 25 ° C in the original packaging.

The drug should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

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