Mu-opioid partial agonist
Mu-opioid receptor partial agonist
- Analgesia with a ceiling on respiratory depression
- Moderate analgesia
- Displaces full agonists → can precipitate withdrawal if given too soon
Drugs with this mechanism (9)
- 7-OH-mitragynine — Kratom's potent mu-opioid metabolite; carries most of the opioid effect and most of the dependence risk.
- Buprenorphine buccal film — Buccal buprenorphine film for continuous chronic pain; not an addiction-treatment product.
- Buprenorphine SC (weekly/monthly) — Extended-release injectable buprenorphine for opioid use disorder; flexible depot intervals.
- Buprenorphine — Partial mu agonist with a ceiling effect; a mainstay of opioid use disorder.
- Butorphanol — Mixed opioid agonist-antagonist; intranasal analgesia can precipitate opioid withdrawal.
- Buprenorphine patch — Transdermal buprenorphine for continuous chronic pain; not for acute or as-needed use.
- Mitragynine — Main kratom alkaloid; mu-opioid partial agonist.
- Pentazocine — Mixed opioid agonist-antagonist; can precipitate withdrawal.
- Buprenorphine ER injection — Monthly subcutaneous buprenorphine depot for moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder.
Self-check
- Which effect has a ceiling with mu partial agonism?
Respiratory depression. - Why can a mu partial agonist precipitate withdrawal if given too soon?
It displaces full agonists.
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