Intranasal Use of Buprenorphine: A Case Report on Non-sublingual Routes and Associated Risks from Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of the μ-opioid receptor and one of the main drugs used for maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder. The widespread misuse of buprenorphine, particularly via non-sublingual routes, poses significant health risks. Case Presentation: This paper presents a detailed case study of a 39-year-old male with a history of polydrug use, focusing on the respiratory complications arising from intranasal buprenorphine use, which he had been snorting for the past three years. Conclusions: It appears that buprenorphine snorting can lead to serious and irreversible injuries and complications, including congestion and erythema of the nasal mucosa, deviation and perforation of the middle nasal septum, chronic sinusitis, and reduced sleep quality.