Buprenorphine: the basic pharmacology revisited.

Cowan, Alan · J Addict Med · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The historical background leading to the current use of buprenorphine as an analgesic and its role in the management of opioid dependence is summarized. The popular description of buprenorphine as a "partial agonist" is discussed in relation to efficacy in animal models of antinociception and clinical analgesia. The latest information on the respiratory depressant effects of buprenorphine and its N-dealkylated metabolite (norbuprenorphine) is presented. New data on the buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome in rats are described.