What is Buprenorphine

It is a thebaine derivative with partial agonist type of

profile i.e. it effectively antagonizes  the activity of

morphine but also produces appreciable analgesic

activity. It has a long lasting analgesic effect and is

useful for the relief of moderate to severe pains such as

post -operative pain/pre-medication before surgery and

myocardial pain.the analgesic potency is approximately 30

times greater then that of morphine. The onset of action

is within 15min. After I.v. injuction and lasts for about

6-8 hours. It is relatively free from psychotomimetics

effects and hence likelihood of physical dependence are

less. It can however,produce respiratory depression.

Drowsiness is another common adverse effect. Nausea,

Vomiting, dizziness,sweating are also reported with

buprenorphine.