First experience with a new analgesic drug: buprenorphine

Buprenorphine, a new analgesic drug, was used for treatment of immediate postoperative pain in a group of 30 patients. A standard dose of 4 mug/kg was given IM. Onset of action occurred 10 to 20 min. later; pain relief was very good to good in 73%, fairly good in 23% and insufficient in 3%. Duration of action was very long (Mean + SEM: 360 +/- 32 min.) Side effects were few.