We have located links that may give you full text access.
Case Reports
Journal Article
Buprenorphine-related complications in elderly hospitalised patients: a case series.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 2017 March
We report a case series of buprenorphine-related respiratory and neurological depression in opioid-naïve elderly hospitalised patients who received buprenorphine for acute pain management at our institution over a 24-month period. All six patients had risk factors for respiratory depression such as advanced age, concurrent comorbidities, or the ingestion of other potential central nervous system depressants. All patients required escalation of management with additional monitoring, with some transferred to a high dependency or intensive care unit. Five patients had attempted naloxone reversal with varying results. Our cases highlight the fact that while buprenorphine has been demonstrated to have a ceiling effect in relation to respiratory depression in healthy volunteers, it remains an important side-effect and may result in significant respiratory depression in patients with reduced respiratory or neurological reserve. Difficulties with buprenorphine's reversal using naloxone are described. We recommend additional caution when considering buprenorphine for acute pain management in elderly opioid-naïve patients, especially if they have comorbidities or are taking other central nervous system depressants. When buprenorphine is used in patients with risk factors, we recommend additional monitoring and education about potential adverse respiratory effects and their management.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app