buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn How to pronounce buprenorphine (audio)
-fən
: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C29H41NO4·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence.

Examples of buprenorphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects (a medication used to treat opioid use disorder) were also listed as contributing factors in his death, which was ruled accidental. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 3 July 2024 Other contributing factors in Perry’s death, which was ruled an accident, included drowning and coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, which is used to help addicts quit opioids. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 3 July 2024 Other contributing factors in his death included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid-use disorder. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024 The office lists the acute effects of the drug as the main cause of his death and added drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid use, as contributing factors. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for buprenorphine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buprenorphine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buprenorphine was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near buprenorphine

Cite this Entry

“Buprenorphine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buprenorphine. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Medical Definition

buprenorphine

noun
bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn, -fən How to pronounce buprenorphine (audio)
: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is derived from thebaine and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C29H41NO4·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence. Trademarks for preparations containing buprenorphine include Bunavail, Buprenex, Butrans, Subutex, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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