Drug reference
buprenorphine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Musculoskeletal (Opioids)
Mechanism of action
Semisynthetic narcotic mixed agonist-antagonist analgesic; exerts agonistic effects at mu and delta opioid receptors in CNS and antagonistic effects at kappa opioid receptor
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Headache
- Pain
- Infection
- Withdrawal syndrome
- Abdominal pain
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity Significant respiratory depression Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus
Known interactions (5)
- buprenorphine + pimozide Contraindicated
- buprenorphine + thioridazine Contraindicated
- buprenorphine + dronedarone Major
- buprenorphine + fluconazole Major
- buprenorphine + posaconazole Major
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is buprenorphine?
buprenorphine belongs to: Musculoskeletal.
How does buprenorphine work?
Semisynthetic narcotic mixed agonist-antagonist analgesic; exerts agonistic effects at mu and delta opioid receptors in CNS and antagonistic effects at kappa opioid receptor
What are the common side effects of buprenorphine?
Insomnia, Constipation, Headache, Pain, Infection, Withdrawal syndrome, Abdominal pain
Which drugs interact with buprenorphine?
pimozide, thioridazine, dronedarone, fluconazole, posaconazole
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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