title: Comparisons of analgesic potency and side effects of buprenorphine and buprenorphine with ultra-low-dose naloxone.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Opioids are the most effective pain medication available, yet concerns about their safety may limit their administration to those in need. In efforts to identify analgesics with lower potential for abuse and dependence, recent evidence suggests that combinations of opioids with ultra-low doses of the opioid antagonist naloxone may enhance the analgesic effect with increased safety. This study investigated the use of buprenorphine (0.3 mg) plus ultra-low-dose naloxone (0.02 mg) (BUP + ULDN) as compared with buprenorphine alone (0.3 mg) (BUP) for the treatment of pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over design, 12 study participants with lingering, noncancer pain received each medication intravenously for 5 days of dosing, separated by an intertrial interval of at least 7 days to avoid possible carryover effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found no order effects and no differences between medications in pre- to postdose pain ratings, side effects, or adverse events.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that BUP + ULDN is not more effective in reducing pain than BUP.
authors.affiliation: Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hillhouse
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miotto
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torrington
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chapleo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D004338:Drug Combinations; D002047:Buprenorphine