What is buprenorphine HCl and naloxone HCl?

Stacy Wiegman, PharmD

Pharmacy

Buprenorphine HCl and naloxone HCl (sold under the brand names Suboxone and Subutex) is a combination drug that is used to treat dependence to opiate drugs, such as heroin and oxycodone. Buprenorphine HCl is an opioid partial agonist-antagonist, which means that the drug binds to specific receptors in the brain to reduce the euphoria associated with taking opiates. Naloxone HCl decrease symptoms of withdrawal, allowing cessation without potentially harmful withdrawal symptoms. This combination medication should be prescribed by a physician, and should also be part of a narcotic-dependence treatment plan.

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