cd Subutex

What is it?

An opiate and controlled drug available as tablets in 3 strenghts for placing beneath the tongue, containing 0.4mg, 2mg and 8mg of buprenorphine as hydrochloride. Used, for: patients dependent on opiods - as substitute drug.

Dosage

Adults and children aged over 16 years, 0.8 to 4mg at first, taken at least 4 hours before last taking opiod, then increase according to need to maximum daily dose of 32mg. Then, once stable, gradually reduce to effect withdrawal. If patient is on methadone, this should be reduced to a maximum daily dose of 30mg before treatment starts.

Special Care

Liver or kidney disorders, respiratory insufficiency, asthma. regular checks on liver function required. drug should be stopped if jaundice or hepatic necrosis (death of liver cells) is detected.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe liver disease or serious respiratory deficiency, acute alcoholism, delirium tremens.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Alcohol, depressants of CNS, benzodiazepines, MAOIs, clonidine, other opiods.

Known Side Effects

Weaknwss, nausea, sweating, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, insomnia, orthostatic hpotension, constipation.

Manufacturer

Scering-Plough.