Buprenorphine for the treatment of perinatal opioid dependence: pharmacology and implications for antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2011

Institution/Department

Pharmacy, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Journal Title

Journal of midwifery & women's health

MeSH Headings

Buprenorphine (pharmacology); Female; Humans; Narcotic Antagonists (pharmacology); Off-Label Use; Opioid-Related Disorders (complications, drug therapy); Perinatal Care; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications (drug therapy)

Abstract

Opioid dependence during pregnancy is associated with significant health risks for both the mother and her fetus. Opioid maintenance therapy with methadone (Dolophine) is the current standard of care, reduces medical and social risks associated with illicit drug use, and decreases rates of prematurity and low birth weight. However, treatment with methadone is frequently associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Buprenorphine is an alternative to methadone that preliminary data indicates is equivalent in safety and efficacy to methadone and significantly increases access to treatment. The pharmacology of buprenorphine and its implications for the care of pregnant women with opioid dependence are described.

First Page

240

Last Page

7

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