section name header

Pronunciation

byoo-pre-NOR-feen

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: opioid analgesics

Pharmacologic Classification: opioid agonists antagonists

Indications

IM:

High Alert


Action

  • Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS.
  • Alters the perception of and response to painful stimuli while producing generalized CNS depression.
  • Has partial antagonist properties that may result in opioid withdrawal in physically dependent patients when used as an analgesic.
Therapeutic effects:
  • IV: Decreased severity of pain.
  • Suppression of withdrawal symptoms during detoxification and maintenance from heroin or other opioids. Produces a relatively mild withdrawal compared to other agents.

  • SC: Continued cessation of opioid use.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed after IM and SL use; 46–65% absorbed with buccal use; 15% of transdermal dose absorbed through skin; IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Crosses the placenta; enters breast milk. CNS concentration is 15–25% of plasma.

Protein Binding: 96%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver mostly via the CYP3A4 isoenzyme; one metabolite is active; 70% excreted in feces; 27% excreted in urine.

Half-Life: 2–3 hr (IV); 27 hr (buccal); 26 hr (transdermal); 37 hr (SL); 24–48 hr (subdermal); 43–60 days (SUBQ).

Time/Action Profile

(analgesia)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
IM15 min60 min6 hr
IVrapidless than 60 min6 hr
SLunknownunknownunknown
Transdermalunknownunknown7 days
Buccalunknownunknownunknown
SUBQunknownunknownunknown



4–5 hr in children.

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, QT interval prolongation

Derm: sweating, clammy feeling, erythema, pruritus, rash

EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, miosis (high doses)

Endo: adrenal insufficiency

GI: nausea, constipation, dry mouth, HEPATOTOXICITY, ileus, vomiting

GU: urinary retention

Neuro: confusion, dysphoria, hallucinations, sedation, dizziness, euphoria, floating feeling, headache, unusual dreams

Resp: RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION (INCLUDING CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA AND SLEEP-RELATED HYPOXEMIA)

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS, ANGIOEDEMA, AND BRONCHOSPASM), injection site reactions, physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

Analgesia

Hepatic Impairment

Hepatic Impairment

Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Hepatic Impairment

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

IV Administration:

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Belbuca, Brixadi, Buprenex, Butrans, Sublocade, Subutex

Contr. Subst. Schedule

Schedule III (C-III)

Code

NDC Code