SUBUTEX (buprenorphine) sublingual tablet is an uncoated oval white tablet, imprinted with a sword logo on one side and an alphanumeric imprint identifying the product and strength. It contains buprenorphine HCl and is available in two dosage strengths, 2 mg buprenorphine and 8 mg buprenorphine (as free base). Each tablet also contains lactose, mannitol, cornstarch, povidone K30, citric acid, sodium citrate and magnesium stearate.

Chemically, buprenorphine HCl is (2S)-2-[17-Cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6α,14-ethano-14α-morphinan-7α-yl]-3,3dimethylbutan-2-ol hydrochloride. It has the following chemical structure:

Buprenorphine HCl has the molecular formula C₂₉H₄₁NO₄• HCl and the molecular weight is 504.10. It is a white or off-white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol, soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in cyclohexane.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/10/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.