Premium
Buprenorphine and naloxone interactions in opiate‐dependent volunteers
Author(s) -
Mendelson John,
Jones Reese T.,
Fernandez Isabella,
Welm Susette,
Melby Ann K.,
Baggott Matthew J.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1016/s0009-9236(96)90173-3
Subject(s) - buprenorphine , opiate , (+) naloxone , medicine , heroin , morphine , anesthesia , narcotic antagonist , pharmacology , opioid , drug , receptor
Objective Sublingual buprenorphine appears useful in the treatment of opiate dependence. A combination sublingual dose of buprenorphine and naloxone could have less potential for parenteral use by opiate‐dependent individuals. To estimate the abuse potential of a combination formulation, we assessed the parenteral effects of a buprenorphine and naloxone combination in untreated heroin addicts. Methods Eight healthy, opiate‐dependent daily users of heroin were given, under double‐blind conditions on four separate occasions, either (1) 2 mg buprenorphine, (2) 2 mg naloxone, (3) 2 mg buprenorphine and 2 mg naloxone combined, or (4) placebo as a single intravenous infusion during a 30‐second interval. Opiate agonist and antagonist physiologic and subjective effects were measured. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. Results Buprenorphine increased opiate intoxication and relieved withdrawal. The buprenorphine and naloxone combination precipitated opiate withdrawal and was unpleasant and dysphoric in all subjects. Fifty percent of the subjects were unable to distinguish between naloxone alone and the combined medications during the first hour of testing. Conclusions The buprenorphine and naloxone combination has a low abuse potential in opiate‐dependent daily heroin users. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1996) 60 , 105–114; doi: