Buprenex Dosage

For most people age 13 and up, the typical dosage of Buprenex for relieving pain is 1 mL given by intramuscular injection or by intravenous infusion every six hours. However, your dosage amount will depend on several factors, such as other medications you are taking and the type and severity of your pain. For children, the amount will be calculated based on their weight.

Buprenex Injection Information

An Introduction to Dosing With Buprenex

The dosage of Buprenex^® (buprenorphine injection) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

The type and severity of your pain
The type and dosage of other pain medications you have taken
Your weight (for children)
How you respond to the medication
Other medications you are taking
Other medical conditions you may have.

As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.

Buprenex Dosing Guidelines

The usual starting dosage of Buprenex for most people 13 years of age and older is 1 mL (0.3 mg) given by intramuscular injection (IM injection) or by intravenous infusion (IV). After the first dose, a repeat dose can be given after 30 to 60 minutes if needed to achieve adequate pain control. Thereafter, the medication is typically given every six hours as needed for pain relief.

In elderly people, people with breathing problems, or other individuals at high risk for serious Buprenex side effects, a lower dose of 0.5 mL (0.15 mg) should be given, at least initially.

For some adults, a higher dosage of 2 mL (0.6 mg) may be necessary. A dosage this high should only be given by IM injection, not by IV.

For children age 2 to 12 years old, a healthcare provider will calculate an appropriate dose based on the child's weight. Interestingly, children may metabolize Buprenex more quickly than adults. In some cases, children may need more frequent doses (every four hours, instead of every six hours).

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