Buprenorphine is described as which type of opioid?

• A. Full mu agonist
• B. Partial mu agonist
• C. Mu antagonist
• D. Non-opioid analgesic

Answer: (B)

Buprenorphine acts as a partial mu opioid receptor agonist: it binds strongly to mu receptors but activates them only partially. This produces analgesia with a ceiling effect for respiratory depression and euphoria, which lowers overdose risk compared with full mu agonists. Its high affinity means it can displace other opioids and may precipitate withdrawal in someone dependent on full agonists. It is not a full mu agonist, not a mu antagonist, and it is an opioid analgesic (not a non-opioid).