Which statement correctly describes Buprenorphine?

• A. It is a full agonist.
• B. It is a partial agonist with an action time of 6 hours and can be given orally.
• C. It is an antagonist.
• D. It is a non-opioid analgesic.

Answer: (B)

Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist. This means it activates the mu receptor to provide analgesia, but not to the same maximal effect as a full agonist like morphine, giving a ceiling to some adverse effects such as respiratory depression while still delivering effective pain relief. Its duration of action is relatively long, about 6 hours in cats, which makes it a convenient single-dose option for ongoing postoperative or mild-to-moderate pain. The route can include oral or transmucosal administration, since buprenorphine is absorbed through mucous membranes, allowing an oral or sublingual-type dosing approach in many patients. It is not an antagonist, and it is still an opioid analgesic, so the statement describing it as a partial agonist with a 6-hour duration and viable oral/transmucosal administration best captures its pharmacology.