Suboxone 2mg

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Introduction

Suboxone 2mg is a fixed-dose pharmaceutical formulation combining buprenorphine and naloxone. It is primarily used in research related to opioid dependence treatment and pharmacological studies involving opioid receptor modulation. The product is available mainly as sublingual tablets or films, designed to dissolve under the tongue for systemic absorption. Suboxone 2mg contains 2 mg of buprenorphine alongside naloxone, intended to provide balanced opioid receptor engagement and abuse deterrence. It is provided in tablet form for research and experimental purposes, and not for direct human use outside approved medical settings.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

• Chemical Components: Buprenorphine and Naloxone (combination)

• Buprenorphine Chemical Formula: C2929H4141NO44

• Buprenorphine Molecular Weight: 467.6 g/mol

• Naloxone Chemical Formula: C1919H2121NO44

• Naloxone Molecular Weight: 327.4 g/mol

• CAS Numbers: Buprenorphine 53152-35-1, Naloxone 465-65-6

• IUPAC Names:

  • Buprenorphine: (2S)-2-[(5R,6R,7R,14S)-9α-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5-epoxy-6-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-7-yl]-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol

  • Naloxone: (4R,4aS,7aR,12bS)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4a,9-dihydroxy-2,5,6,7,8,12b-hexahydro-4-methyl-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-one

• Synonyms: Buprenorphine (partial μ-opioid receptor agonist), Naloxone (opioid antagonist)

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: Solid sublingual tablet or film, typically off-white to pale yellow

• Purity: Pharmaceutical-grade, ≥98% purity for both active ingredients

• Solubility:

  • Buprenorphine is sparingly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol.

  • Naloxone is soluble in water and alcohols.

• Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture, typically at controlled room temperature (20-25 °C).

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

Buprenorphine in Suboxone acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, producing opioid effects such as analgesia but with a “ceiling effect” on respiratory depression, reducing overdose risk relative to full agonists. It also functions as a weak antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor and agonist at delta-opioid receptors. Buprenorphine binds with high affinity and slow dissociation kinetics to the mu receptor, effectively suppressing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings in opioid-dependent individuals.

Naloxone is a pure opioid receptor antagonist with high affinity primarily for the mu-opioid receptor. When taken sublingually, naloxone has negligible bioavailability but acts as an abuse deterrent if injected, as it competitively displaces opioids from receptors, precipitating withdrawal symptoms and blocking euphoric effects. This combination reduces the risk of misuse of the medication by injection.

Research Applications

Suboxone 2mg is used extensively in pharmacological research concerning opioid use disorder, receptor binding kinetics, opioid agonist and antagonist interactions, and overdose prevention strategies. Studies include comparative effectiveness research on opioid dependence therapy, side-effect profiling, and drug interaction investigations.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Comparison with Buprenorphine Alone

Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone to reduce misuse potential compared to buprenorphine monotherapy. While buprenorphine alone effectively treats opioid dependence, adding naloxone deters intravenous abuse without compromising therapeutic efficacy when taken as prescribed.

Advantages for Research

The combination provides a robust model to study opioid receptor pharmacodynamics in partial agonist/antagonist systems, offering insights into dual-component drug interactions and abuse-deterrent formulations.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Handle Suboxone tablets or films with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection. Avoid ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Use controlled environments to minimize exposure risks.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Dispose of all waste and unused materials following hazardous pharmaceutical disposal guidelines to prevent environmental contamination. Utilize institutional protocols for controlled substances.

Regulatory Status

Suboxone is a controlled substance regulated by authorities worldwide due to its opioid components. It is approved for medical use in opioid dependence treatment but restricted for research use in non-clinical settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Suboxone 2mg used for in research?
   It is used to study opioid dependence treatment mechanisms, receptor pharmacology, and opioid interaction effects.

2. What are the active ingredients in Suboxone 2mg?
   Buprenorphine (partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (opioid antagonist).

3. Why is naloxone included in Suboxone?
   To deter intravenous abuse by precipitating withdrawal if injected.

4. How is Suboxone administered in clinical settings?
   Typically sublingual, allowing absorption under the tongue.

5. Is Suboxone safer than other opioid treatments?
   It has a lower risk of overdose and respiratory depression compared to full opioid agonists.

Conclusion

Suboxone 2mg is a critical research formulation combining buprenorphine and naloxone to study opioid receptor dynamics, dependence treatment, and abuse deterrence. Its pharmacological profile as a partial agonist with antagonist co-formulation provides a safer alternative for opioid maintenance therapy investigations. Proper handling, storage, and regulatory compliance ensure safety and efficacy in research applications.