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Buprenorphine and naloxone is a prescription combination used for treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist. Current products include sublingual tablets and films, with some films also approved for buccal use. These medicines are Schedule III controlled substances and are used as part of an individualized treatment plan.
read more about buprenorphine and naloxone ...Buprenorphine partially activates mu-opioid receptors and blocks kappa-opioid receptors, reducing withdrawal symptoms and craving. Naloxone strongly blocks mu-opioid receptors when given by injection and can precipitate withdrawal in a person dependent on full opioid agonists. When the combination is taken through the prescribed transmucosal route, buprenorphine supplies the primary treatment effect.
Buprenorphine and naloxone products are used for opioid dependence treatment in adults under product-specific instructions. The combination is commonly used after treatment induction, though current sublingual film labeling also includes induction for people dependent on short-acting opioids. Counseling and psychosocial care are included in the overall treatment plan.
For current sublingual film labeling, people dependent on short-acting opioids can receive up to 8 mg with 2 mg on day 1 in divided doses and up to 16 mg with 4 mg on day 2. Maintenance dosing is adjusted individually and generally ranges from 4 mg with 1 mg to 24 mg with 6 mg once daily.
Serious risks include respiratory depression, misuse, physical dependence, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, liver injury, adrenal insufficiency, serotonin syndrome, low blood pressure, and precipitated opioid withdrawal. Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other central nervous system depressants raise overdose risk. Transmucosal products are also linked to severe dental problems, including cavities, dental infections, erosion, and tooth loss.
The combination is used for treatment of opioid dependence under product-specific prescribing instructions.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that has greater antagonist activity when the combination is injected and can precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals.
Maintenance treatment is commonly taken once daily, with the dose adjusted according to clinical response and the exact product.
Yes. Transmucosal buprenorphine products are linked to cavities, tooth erosion, dental infections, and tooth loss.
Buprenorphine Sublingual and Buccal (opioid dependence). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605002.html. Date Accessed September 18, 2026.
Controlled Substance Schedules. Drug Enforcement Administration. https://deaecom.gov/schedules/schedules.html. Date Accessed September 18, 2026.
DailyMed - BUPRENORPHINE AND NALOXONE film, soluble. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=221195e4-de08-414c-af08-a611a74789de. Date Accessed September 18, 2026.
DailyMed - BUPRENORPHINE AND NALOXONE tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=713db2c6-0544-4633-b874-cfbeaf93db89. Date Accessed September 18, 2026.
FDA Warns About Dental Problems With Buprenorphine Medicines Dissolved in the Mouth to Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Pain. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems-buprenorphine-medicines-dissolved-mouth-treat-opioid-use-disorder. Date Accessed September 18, 2026.