Module 2: Basic Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs and Substances
Lesson 2
Buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone (cont’d)
Buprenorphine is metabolised in the liver via the CP450 enzyme system (CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 isozymes). It has a long half-life (20-70 hours) and is relatively safe for patients with kidney disease because it does not accumulate in body tissue. It can be detected in urine and serum; therefore, is useful as a treatment monitoring strategy.
Adverse effects and precautions are similar to other opioids. Respiratory depression due to the long half-life is the most concerning and a particular risk for substance-naïve individuals who use either form of buprenorphine recreationally.