Buprenorphine/naloxone

Buprenorphine/naloxone

Buprenorphine/naloxone (pronunciation: byoo-pre-NOR-feen/nal-OX-one) is a combination medication used to treat opioid use disorder. This medication is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Etymology

The term "buprenorphine" is derived from the words "buprenorphine hydrochloride" (the active ingredient) and "naloxone" is derived from "naloxone hydrochloride". Both are used in the treatment of opioid dependence.

Usage

Buprenorphine/naloxone is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping other opioids. It is a part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse (such as compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes).

Mechanism of Action

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the patient's urge to use opioids. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids if the medication is injected. When taken as prescribed, naloxone has no effect because it is not absorbed into the body.

Related Terms

• Opioid
• Opioid Use Disorder
• Opioid Receptors
• Opioid Antagonist
• Opioid Agonist
• Withdrawal Symptoms

See Also

• Suboxone
• Methadone
• Naltrexone

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Buprenorphine/naloxone
• Wikipedia's article - Buprenorphine/naloxone

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