Journal of Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7609
+44-20-4587-4809
ISSN: 2157-7609
+44-20-4587-4809
Daniel M. Strickland
MD PO Box 70, West Jefferson, NC 28640
Research Article
Sublingual Absorption of Naloxone in a Large Clinical Population
Author(s): Daniel M. Strickland and Jana K. BursonDaniel M. Strickland and Jana K. Burson
Background and Objectives: The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone (combo product) is a medication that is administered sublingually to treat opioid use disorder as part of medication assisted treatment. The naloxone component is believed to deter inappropriate use of the medication. True allergies to naloxone are infrequent, but many patients experience severe, unpleasant side effects that they associate with the combo product but not with the formulation containing buprenorphine alone (mono product). It is commonly contended that naloxone is poorly absorbed sublingually, so we sought to test the validity of that belief.
Methods: Using a sensitive LC-MS assay, we quantified the concentration of naloxone in the urine of 61 patients (Total specimens=686) prescribed the combo product. Because this study was retrospective it was neither inte.. View More»