Table 2.
Standard induction titration schedule
| Buprenorphine/naloxonea | |
|---|---|
| Dosing | |
| Day 1b (0–24 h) |
Start with 2–4 mg SL If 60–90 min have passed without the onset of withdrawal symptoms: additional dosing can be done in increments of 2–8 mg SL Suggested total dose target for day 1 is 8–12 mg SL |
| Day 2 (24–48 h) |
Start with dose equal to the total amount of buprenorphine/naloxone administered on day 1 Titrate in increments or decrements of 2–8 mg to a level that holds the patient in treatment and suppresses opioid withdrawal, guided by reassessment of the clinical and psychological status of the patient Suggested total daily dose for day 2 is 8–16 mg SL Max total daily dose is 32 mg SL |
| Day 3 (48–72 h) |
Consolidate day 2 total dose to once daily dosing Suggested total daily dose for day 3 is 8–16 mg SL Max total daily dose is 32 mg SL |
SL sublingual, COWS Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale
aExpressed as milligrams of buprenorphine in a buprenorphine/naloxone SL tablet
bThe 1st dose of buprenorphine/naloxone is administered when the patient scores ≥ 11 on the COWS; and it has been at least 6–12 h after their last use of short-acting opioids or 24–72 h after their last use of long-acting opioids. Depending on the patient’s last use and the time taken to score ≥ 11 on the COWS, day 1 may take longer than 24 h