Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Buprenorphine requires a valid prescription.
Buprenorphine
Generic Name: BUPRENORPHINE
Buprenorphine sublingual tablet is uncoated, round, biconvex, white to off-white tablet.
Data last updated: 30 March 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)
Common Brand Names in India:
What is Buprenorphine Used For?
- Opioid dependence and is preferred for induction
How Does It Work?
Opioid agonist ceiling-effects were also observed in a double-blind, parallel group, dose-ranging comparison of single doses of buprenorphine sublingual solution (1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg), placebo and a full agonist control at various doses.
Dosage & Administration
- Do not cut, chew, or swallow buprenorphine sublingual tablets. When discontinuing treatment, gradually taper to avoid signs and symptoms of withdrawal. 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Buprenorphine sublingual tablet is administered sublingually as a single daily dose.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)
Warnings & Precautions
- Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Buprenorphine can be abused in a similar manner to other opioids.
- Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits. Respiratory Depression: Life-threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in association with buprenorphine use.
- Prescribe and dispense buprenorphine with appropriate precautions to minimize risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, and ensure appropriate protection from theft, including in the home.
- Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits [see Drug Abuse and Dependence ]. 5.2 Risk of Life-Threatening Respiratory and Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression Buprenorphine has been associated with life-threating respiratory depression and death.
- Use buprenorphine sublingual tablets with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale, decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression).
Who Should NOT Take This?
- Hypersensitivity to buprenorphine. ( 4 )
Drug Interactions
Buprenorphine may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Speak to a general physician on Zospital
Consult a general physician on Zospital before starting Buprenorphine. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.
Other Analgesics & Pain Relief Medicines
Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.
FAQS
Buprenorphine – Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Buprenorphine, its uses, dosage and safety.
Buprenorphine is commonly prescribed in India for: Opioid dependence and is preferred for induction. Always confirm the indication with a registered medical practitioner before starting any course.
Buprenorphine is sold in India under brand names such as Zubsolv, Bunavail, Simbadol, Belbuca, Buprenorphine. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.
Buprenorphine is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.
Common side effects of Buprenorphine can include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Headache, Dizziness, Insomnia, Sweating. Less common but serious side effects can include: Serious, Life-threatening, Anaphylaxis, Serotonin syndrome. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.
Opioid agonist ceiling-effects were also observed in a double-blind, parallel group, dose-ranging comparison of single doses of buprenorphine sublingual solution (1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg), placebo and a full agonist control at various doses.
Buprenorphine can interact with: Central, Clinical, Intervention, Cessation, Alcohol, Macrolide. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Buprenorphine.
Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Buprenorphine for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.
Pregnancy safety of Buprenorphine depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Buprenorphine during pregnancy or while planning conception.
Prices in India typically range from ₹10 – ₹120 per strip of 10 tablets depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.
If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Buprenorphine's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.
You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.
Medical Disclaimer
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