TABLE 2.

Details of ED BUP administration (n = 31 site protocols)

	# of site protocols	% of site protocols
a) Variable initial buprenorphine dose based on COWS score	14	45%
Dose based on COWS score 8–12, 13+	12	39%
b) Time frame between buprenorphine dose 1 and 2	29	94%
30–60 min	27	87%
<30 or >60 min	2	6%
c) Maximum total buprenorphine dose in ED	29	94%
8 mg	5	16%
12 mg	5	16%
16 mg	11	35%
24 mg	2	6%
32 mg	6	19%
d) Precipitated withdrawal guidelines	10	32%
e) Ancillary medications for symptoms of:	9	29%
Muscle aches and pains	8	26%
Nausea	9	29%
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea	8	26%
Other	7	23%

Number of site protocols that provided details related to administration of BUP in the ED: (a) initial ED BUP dose dependent on or independent of the patient's COWS score, (b) time frame between the initial BUP dose and a second BUP dose, (c) maximum total BUP dose, (d) precipitated withdrawal guidelines, and (e) ancillary medications for symptomatic management of withdrawal–“other” ancillary medications included clonidine (23%), antihistamines (16%), gabapentin (3%), antipsychotics (3%), and methadone (3%).

Abbreviations: BUP, buprenorphine; COWS, Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale; ED, emergency department.