Buprenorphine: A Better Option for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Pregnancy Compared to Methadone

J Am Board Fam Med. 2025 Jan-Feb;38(1):188-191. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2024.240349R0.

Abstract

Buprenorphine, rather than methadone, should be considered the preferred first-line therapy for opioid use disorder in pregnancy due to its more favorable neonatal outcomes.1.

Keywords: Buprenorphine; Methadone; Opioid Overdose; Opioid-Related Disorders; Prenatal Care.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid* / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid* / therapeutic use
  • Buprenorphine* / adverse effects
  • Buprenorphine* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Methadone* / adverse effects
  • Methadone* / therapeutic use
  • Narcotic Antagonists* / therapeutic use
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment* / methods
  • Opioid-Related Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Buprenorphine
  • Methadone
  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Narcotic Antagonists