buprenorphine

noun

bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn How to pronounce buprenorphine (audio)
-fən
: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C29H41NO4·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence.

Examples of buprenorphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An injection of buprenorphine lasts a month but costs $1,630. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 1 May 2026 Contributing factors were drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 May 2026 But many jails do not offer buprenorphine or other medications for opioid use disorder and withdrawal. — Hannah Harris Green, STAT, 26 June 2026 Contributing factors include drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder, the medical examiner said. — City News Service, Daily News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for buprenorphine

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buprenorphine was in 1974

Rhymes for buprenorphine

See All Rhymes for buprenorphine

Browse Nearby Words

buppie
buprenorphine
buprestid
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Cite this Entry

“Buprenorphine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buprenorphine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

buprenorphine

noun
bu·​pre·​nor·​phine ˌbyü-prə-ˈnȯr-ˌfēn, -fən How to pronounce buprenorphine (audio)
: a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic that is derived from thebaine and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C29H41NO4·HCl to control moderate to severe pain and treat opioid dependence

Note: Buprenorphine is administered by injection to control pain, is used in the form of a transdermal skin patch to control pain or treat opioid dependence, and is used in combination with naloxone in the form of a dissolvable tablet placed under the tongue or film placed inside the cheek to treat opioid dependence. Trademarks for preparations containing buprenorphine include Bunavail, Buprenex, Butrans, Subutex, Suboxone, and Zubsolv.

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