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Buprenorphine is a prescription partial opioid agonist and Schedule III controlled substance. Different formulations have different indications. Sublingual tablets are used for opioid dependence and are preferred during induction. Extended-release injections are used for opioid use disorder, while transdermal systems, buccal film, and injectable buprenorphine are used for selected forms of severe pain.
read more about buprenorphine ...Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors and an antagonist at kappa-opioid receptors. Mu-receptor activity reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms and craving during opioid use disorder treatment and also produces analgesia. Its high receptor affinity and long receptor binding contribute to prolonged opioid effects and can precipitate withdrawal when started too soon after a full opioid agonist.
Indications depend on formulation. Sublingual tablets treat opioid dependence and are preferred for induction. Extended-release subcutaneous buprenorphine treats opioid use disorder under product-specific criteria. Transdermal systems and buccal film treat severe and persistent pain requiring extended opioid therapy, while buprenorphine injection treats severe pain when alternate treatments are inadequate.
Administration depends on the product. Sublingual tablets are dissolved under the tongue once daily during opioid dependence treatment. Extended-release products are injected under the skin by healthcare professionals on product-specific schedules. Pain formulations include skin patches, buccal film, and intramuscular or intravenous injection. These products are not interchangeable on a dose-for-dose basis.
Buprenorphine can cause addiction, misuse, overdose, life-threatening respiratory depression, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, low blood pressure, adrenal insufficiency, serotonin syndrome, and physical dependence. Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other central nervous system depressants raise overdose risk. Buprenorphine products dissolved in the mouth are also linked to tooth decay, dental abscesses, tooth erosion, and tooth loss.
Yes. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist and a Schedule III controlled substance.
Yes. Sublingual and extended-release buprenorphine products are used for opioid use disorder under formulation-specific labeling.
Yes. Selected injection, transdermal, and buccal formulations are approved for severe pain under product-specific criteria.
Yes. Tablets and films dissolved in the mouth 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.
DailyMed - BUPRENORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE injection. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=74e40c51-853b-4e7f-b3cb-a27af29e1cbf. Date Accessed September 18, 2026.
DailyMed - BUTRANS (buprenorphine) patch, extended release. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=794aa355-66de-41b8-aedf-f2c40f6bc664. Date Accessed September 18, 2026.
DailyMed - SUBLOCADE (buprenorphine) solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6189fb21-9432-45f8-8481-0bfaf3ccde95. 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.