Therapeutic Classification: opioid analgesics
Pharmacologic Classification: opioid agonists antagonists
High Alert
Absorption: Well absorbed after IM and SL use; 4665% 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 1525% of plasma.
Protein Binding: 96%.
Half-Life: 23 hr (IV); 27 hr (buccal); 26 hr (transdermal); 37 hr (SL); 2448 hr (subdermal); 4360 days (SUBQ).
(analgesia)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
IM | 15 min | 60 min | 6 hr‡ |
IV | rapid | less than 60 min | 6 hr‡ |
SL | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Transdermal | unknown | unknown | 7 days |
Buccal | unknown | unknown | unknown |
SUBQ | unknown | unknown | unknown |
‡45 hr in children.
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
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
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
Drug-drug:
Drug-Natural Products:
Analgesia
Hepatic Impairment
Hepatic Impairment
Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
Hepatic Impairment
Lab Test Considerations:
Toxicity and Overdose:
FDA strongly encourages health care professionals to complete a REMS-compliant education program that includes all the elements of the FDA Education Blueprint for Health Care Providers Involved in the Management or Support of Patients with Pain, available at www.fda.gov/OpioidAnalgesicREMSBlueprint. Information on programs can be found at 1-800-503-0784 or www.opioidanalgesicrems.com.
IV Administration:
Administer slowly. Rapid administration may cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and cardiac arrest.
Brixandi is only available through a restricted program called the Brixandi REMS. Health care settings and pharmacies that order and dispense Brixandi must be certified in this program and comply with REMS requirements.
Instruct patient on risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which could lead to death. Discuss safe use, risks, and proper storage and disposal of opioid analgesics with patients and caregivers with each Rx. The Patient Counseling Guide is available at www.fda.gov/OpioidAnalgesicREMSPCG. Advise patient not to share buprenorphine with others and to protect from theft or misuse. Advise patient to avoid abrupt discontinuation; may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
SL
Instruct patient in correct use of medication; directions for use must be followed exactly. Medication must be used regularly, not occasionally. Take missed doses as soon as remembered; if almost time for next dose, skip missed dose and return to regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once unless directed by health care professional. Do not discontinue use without consulting health care professional; abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms. If medication is discontinued, flush unused tablets down the toilet if a drug take-back option is not readily available.SUBQ
Inform patient Sublocade and Brixandi are only available through a restricted program, Sublocade or Brixandi REMS program. Sublocade can only be dispensed to directly to a health care provider. Brixandi can only be administered by a health care provider.
NDC Code