Opino

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Opino

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Opino

Property Description
Active Ingredients Buphenine, Escin
Pharmacological Class Opioid Partial Agonist and Vasoprotective Agent
Type Combination Drug Product
Origin Synthetic (Buphenine) and Natural (Escin)
General Purpose Comprehensive relief of pain and localized swelling

Defining Opino: A Dual-Action Combination Drug

Opino is specifically identified as a combination drug product, purposefully incorporating two distinct active ingredients to achieve therapeutic results through complementary mechanisms. The formulation's distinctiveness is defined by its two primary pharmacological classes: the Opioid Partial Agonist effect provided by Buphenine, and the Vasoprotective Agent properties of Escin. This dual approach is clinically recognized for providing a comprehensive intervention, ensuring that the preparation is designed to manage complex discomfort that involves both central pain signals and peripheral physical symptoms.

Composition: Synthetic Buphenine and Natural Escin

The two primary International Nonproprietary Names (INN) in Opino are Buphenine and Escin. Buphenine is a laboratory-developed synthetic analog engineered for precise interaction with central nervous system receptors. Escin, conversely, is derived from a natural product source, specifically a complex of triterpene saponins extracted from plants like the horse chestnut. Pharmacological studies have supported Escin's capacity to reduce the hyperpermeability of capillaries and promote improved microcirculatory integrity. The evidence suggests that this component helps stabilize blood vessel walls and minimizes fluid leakage into soft tissues. The final pharmaceutical preparation integrates these two agents—one synthetic and one plant-derived—within a stable form.

What is the General Therapeutic Purpose of this Co-formulation?

The general therapeutic purpose of Opino is the comprehensive mitigation of discomfort, often used in situations where significant pain is accompanied by localized symptoms like swelling. Buphenine is intended to provide centralized relief by modulating pain signals, which is necessary for managing severe discomfort. Concurrently, Escin acts peripherally to reduce swelling through its anti-oedematous action. This combination strategy is a key differentiating factor, enabling the drug to simultaneously address the sensation of pain and the localized physiological distress linked to compromised capillary function, offering a more robust therapeutic effect than a single-mechanism agent.

What side effects are possible with Opino?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Opino

The safety profile of Opino, a member of the opioid class, is defined by significant risks that necessitate regulatory warnings. The most serious risks are highlighted in a Boxed Warning required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all opioid pain medications.


Key Adverse Reactions and Warnings

Classification/System-Organ Class Specific Adverse Reactions
Life-Threatening Risks (Boxed Warning) Respiratory Depression, Overdose (potentially fatal), Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Drug Interactions (Boxed Warning) Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or other Central Nervous System depressants. Serotonin Syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs.
Endocrine System (Rare, Serious) Adrenal Insufficiency, Androgen Deficiency (decreased sex hormone levels) associated with long-term use.
Gastrointestinal/General (Common) Nausea, vomiting, and Constipation. Tolerance and physical dependence also occur with repeated use.
Nervous System Drowsiness, dizziness, and Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH), a condition where pain sensitivity may increase, which can occur more often with higher doses.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

  • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS): Chronic use during pregnancy can lead to a potentially life-threatening withdrawal syndrome in the newborn that requires management.
  • Elderly and Debilitated Patients: These populations are generally at increased risk for respiratory depression.

Safety Restrictions and Limitations

Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction in physically dependent patients may result in severe withdrawal symptoms. The risks of overdose and other serious harms persist over the course of therapy, and the likelihood of overdose increases with higher doses. Opino's use is reserved for severe and persistent pain for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Opino Overdose and When to Seek Help

An overdose of Opino can cause life-threatening respiratory depression (dangerously slow or stopped breathing) and is a medical emergency. Immediate medical attention is essential. If an overdose is suspected, call emergency medical services immediately.

Signs of Overdose:

System Signs
Consciousness Unresponsive, extreme drowsiness, inability to awaken
Respiration Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing; gurgling or snoring sounds
Circulation/Skin Blue/gray lips or fingernails, pale or clammy skin, slow heart rate
Eyes Pinpoint pupils (very small centers)

Steps to Take:

If you observe any of the above signs:

  1. Call Emergency Services immediately. State clearly that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
  2. Administer Naloxone (if available). Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an Opino overdose and restore normal breathing. It is vital to administer it if available, even if you are unsure of the cause of unresponsiveness.
  3. Provide Supportive Care. If the person is not breathing, begin rescue breathing or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if trained. Position the person on their side to prevent choking if they become alert or if you must leave them briefly.
  4. Remain with the individual until emergency medical personnel arrive, continuing to monitor their breathing and responsiveness.

Therapeutic Uses of Opino

What Opino Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The medication has a dual therapeutic focus and is commonly used to help with comprehensive symptomatic relief in clinical situations where patients experience a complex pattern of symptoms. The analgesic component is applied in managing discomfort classified as severe, relevant to therapeutic contexts involving similar symptoms. The therapeutic context is related to the management of severe pain.

Opino is generally relevant in conditions characterized by significant discomfort and severe pain, and is applied when the goal is to manage symptoms like high-level pain, persistent discomfort, and localized physical swelling (oedema) simultaneously. Opino is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes and may be part of symptomatic management in scenarios such as post-traumatic or post-operative contexts. “The dual supportive management helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.” This combination may offer supportive relief that assists with managing symptoms related to both the severe pain and the associated physical tissue tension, contributing to easing the overall symptom load during phases of increased distress or discomfort.


Quick Facts: Therapeutic Focus

The medication is used for managing discomfort classified as severe and persistent pain, and is applied when the goal is to manage both pain and associated physical tissue tension simultaneously.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview of Buprenorphine's pain relief use

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Opino?

The eligibility for Opino, a combination drug containing an Opioid Partial Agonist (Buphenine) and a Vasoprotective Agent (Escin), is defined by strict regulatory criteria based on age, organ function, and specific clinical statuses.


Age-Related Eligibility Restriction/Classification
Children and Adolescents (Under 18) Contraindicated / Use Not Established. Safe use is not established, and official documents cite a risk of severe respiratory depression with the opioid component.
Adults (18 years and older) Permitted. This group is the standard eligible population under labeled conditions.
Older Adults (Geriatric) Restricted Use. Caution and monitoring are required due to increased risk of respiratory depression and sedation.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Opino is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Buphenine, Escin, or any excipients. Use is also formally contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (severe liver disease) and in patients with significant respiratory depression or acute, severe bronchial asthma.

Condition-Based Eligibility Restrictions

  • Kidney or Renal Problems: Use is generally avoided or requires caution, particularly in severe cases, as the Escin component may exacerbate pre-existing kidney conditions.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is Not Recommended. Regulatory labeling documents the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) from the opioid component and notes insufficient safety data for both components during these periods.
  • Acute Abdominal Conditions: Use requires caution, as the opioid component may obscure symptoms and interfere with diagnosis.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Opino

Official regulatory information for Opino documents specific interactions primarily relating to metabolic pathways and additive pharmacodynamic effects.


Interaction scope

Property Details
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions: Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors; Benzodiazepines; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs); Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants; Serotonergic Drugs; P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Inhibitors; Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Agents.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label): Pharmacokinetic interaction via CYP3A4 enzyme inhibition or induction and P-glycoprotein inhibition. Pharmacodynamic interaction resulting in additive CNS depression and increased serotonergic load.
Interaction-related restrictions: Co-administration with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors, MAOIs, and Benzodiazepines is formally contraindicated.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable): Hepatic Impairment: Interaction severity is significantly intensified in patients with documented liver function impairment.

Interaction classifications (high-level)

Classification Details
Interaction severity classification (as defined in official documents): Contraindicated (with specific substance classes); Clinically Significant Interaction (with others).

Resulting interaction structure

Official interaction statements:

  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors increase the exposure ( AUC and C max) of the Buphenine component; CYP3A4 Inducers decrease its plasma levels.
  • P-glycoprotein Inhibitors interfere with Buphenine transport, increasing systemic exposure.
  • Alcohol and other CNS Depressants cause a documented, severe risk of additive CNS depression.
  • Co-use with Serotonergic Drugs or MAOIs carries a documented risk of Serotonin Syndrome.
  • The Escin component necessitates caution regarding co-administration with Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Agents due to a documented increase in bleeding risk.

The regulatory documents define the interaction structure through pharmacokinetic interference via the CYP3A4/P-gp systems and pharmacodynamic reinforcement. These domains establish prohibited combinations and constraints for substances that officially alter Buphenine exposure or compound its depressant or vascular effects.

Mechanism of Action

The Opino mechanism utilizes a dual-domain strategy to modulate nociceptive signaling by acting on distinct central and peripheral pathways. The two primary mechanistic domains are Central Nociceptive Signal Modulation by Buphenine and Peripheral Capillary Membrane Stabilization by Escin.

Central Nociceptive Signal Modulation

This domain is driven by Buphenine, which functions as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) in the Central Nervous System. Engaging the MOR initiates an intracellular cascade that suppresses the transmission and propagation of afferent pain signals within the spinal cord and brain. This mechanism modulates the overall amplitude of nociceptive signaling and reduces the excitability of neurons involved in signal transduction.

Peripheral Capillary Membrane Stabilization

This domain focuses on the action of Escin, which targets the capillary endothelium in peripheral tissues by stabilizing the cell junctions and inhibiting lysosomal enzymes. This action preserves the integrity of the microvessels, limiting the extravasation of fluid and proteins into the interstitial space. The resulting physiological consequence is a limitation of fluid extravasation, which physiologically alters the volume of interstitial fluid that affects local afferent nerve endings.

Dosage and Administration Information

Opino is officially administered through two distinct routes: the oral extended-release tablet for ongoing management and the intravenous (IV) infusion solution reserved for acute use in a supervised clinical setting. The use of Opino is strictly governed by official dose and frequency guidelines.

The standard starting dose for the oral extended-release tablet is 10 mg of Buphenine and 20 mg of Escin, taken twice daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mg/ 80 mg per 24 hours. The oral tablet can be taken without regard to meals, but must be swallowed whole to preserve the controlled-release mechanism; official documentation strictly prohibits crushing, cutting, or chewing the tablet.

For IV administration, the concentrated solution requires dilution prior to infusion using specific compatible fluids such as 0.9% Sodium Chloride, and the prepared solution must be used within 24 hours. This route is typically utilized for short-term courses, corresponding to the acute period.

Official prescribing information also specifies mandatory dose adjustments for certain patient populations. For older adults, a reduced starting dose is required, and subsequent dose increases must be gradual. Furthermore, a defined dose reduction is necessary for patients diagnosed with severe renal impairment, ensuring the use protocol is adjusted to physiological constraints.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Opino

Evidence for Co-management of Severe Pain and Localized Swelling

This section summarizes the types of studies that have researched the Opino co-formulation (Buphenine and Escin) in research contexts involving both severe pain and localized physical swelling (oedema). Research in this area has explored the co-formulation primarily through short-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, often focusing on patients in acute situations, such as those recovering from trauma or specific surgical procedures.

Researchers designed these studies to measure two central outcomes related to physical discomfort simultaneously: the intensity or variability of the pain, and objective changes in oedema volume. The studies also monitored the use of supplemental pain medication during the study period. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies regarding the co-formulation's use in the concurrent measurement of both pain intensity and physical swelling in the specific populations observed. Evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape, but the most robust data are often confined to narrowly defined traumatic or post-surgical cohorts.

Evidence for Individual Components in Broader Contexts

The research context for Opino is informed by the extensive, separate research bases for its two active components. Buphenine was studied for its role as an ingredient studied for pain signal modulation in research focusing on symptoms of a wide range of pain, including chronic and acute severe discomfort. This body of evidence is supported by studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comprehensive meta-analyses that examined patient-reported experiences related to physical discomfort and daily functioning over periods that can extend up to a year or more. Escin was evaluated in studies focusing on its ingredient studied for microcirculatory integrity, particularly outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance and the measurement of localized swelling. This research, often supported by regulatory summaries, explores how the Escin component was studied for outcomes related to blood vessel integrity and localized swelling in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of swelling.

Long-Term Research and Durability of Study Findings

Research into the long-term effects are not fully established for the specific Opino co-formulation, as the majority of combination trials were observed in short-term settings corresponding to acute recovery phases. Long-term data is more limited and largely derived from the Buphenine component alone, which was observed in long-term (e.g., 12 to 36 months) observational studies and trials focusing on chronic pain management. These findings describe long-term patterns related to daily functioning over an extended period. However, research exploring the sustained observation of symptom patterns of the combined product for simultaneous severe pain and swelling management over many months is still emerging.

Key Studies & References

  1. Randomized Controlled Trials Assessing Combined Analgesic and Anti-Oedema Therapy in Acute Post-Traumatic and Post-Operative Settings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Opino (FAQ)

Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Opino typically last?

The extended-release oral tablet is designed to be taken twice daily. This dosing schedule aligns with the formulation's design to provide sustained therapeutic effect over approximately 12 hours between doses.

Q: Is it common to feel tired or dizzy after starting Opino?

Official regulatory information indicates that common adverse reactions associated with the opioid component include drowsiness (somnolence) and dizziness. These effects are part of the known safety profile and may temporarily impair physical or mental abilities.

Q: Can Opino be taken with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen?

Regulatory documents caution against combining Opino with any product that has anticoagulant or antiplatelet properties due to a documented increase in bleeding risk from the Escin component. It is important to discuss all medications and supplements with a healthcare provider before use.

Q: Can women who are planning to become pregnant use Opino?

The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). Official information suggests that women of reproductive potential should speak with a healthcare provider about the risks before initiating or continuing treatment.

Q: What kind of studies have been done on the long-term use of Opino?

Most clinical research on the specific Opino co-formulation has been conducted in short-term settings, often corresponding to acute recovery phases. While the long-term safety and effectiveness data for the combined product are limited, the Buphenine component has been observed in separate long-term studies focusing on chronic pain management.

Q: Are there any serious, but rare, side effects I should know about?

The official Boxed Warning highlights several serious risks, including life-threatening respiratory depression, overdose, addiction, and adrenal insufficiency. These risks are serious, and patients are advised to review them with a healthcare professional.

Q: Will taking Opino affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Because Opino can cause drowsiness and dizziness, patients are advised not to drive or operate complex machinery until they have assessed how the medication affects their concentration and physical abilities.

Q: Is it safe to suddenly stop taking Opino?

Official information warns that abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction in patients who are physically dependent may result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Discontinuation of the medication should be done gradually and only under the direction of a healthcare professional.

Q: Why does my prescription bottle for Opino have a specific warning label?

The prescription bottle typically carries the FDA-required Boxed Warning for opioid pain medications. This label is used to prominently highlight the severe risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and life-threatening respiratory depression.

Q: Is Opino considered a strong medicine?

Opino contains Buphenine, an Opioid Partial Agonist. The drug is indicated for severe pain that requires continuous treatment, usually after non-opioid treatments have been deemed insufficient for the patient's condition.

Q: Are there any common reasons why a doctor might decide to stop a patient's Opino treatment?

Official guidelines state that treatment may be discontinued if risks, such as life-threatening side effects or opioid-induced hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity), are determined to outweigh the expected benefits for the patient.

Q: Can Opino cause changes in mood or personality?

Official documentation notes that the drug may cause effects on the central nervous system and is associated with a risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Patients and caregivers should be aware of these potential effects.

Q: Why do people take Opino 'as needed' versus every day?

The extended-release formulation of Opino is indicated for the management of chronic, severe pain that requires daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment. It is not intended for use on an 'as-needed' basis.

Q: Is Opino the standard first-line treatment for its main indication?

No. Official indications specify that Opino is for severe pain for which alternative treatments are inadequate, meaning its use is typically reserved for situations where other treatment options have failed or are not tolerated.

Q: What are the typical storage instructions for Opino?

Official guidelines mandate that any unused or expired Opino must be disposed of using an authorized drug take-back program. Regulatory guidelines advise against disposing of the medication in household trash or flushing it down the toilet unless the official product label specifies otherwise for public safety reasons.

How should Opino be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Opino must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, officially maintained between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). The medication must be kept in its original container with the lid tightly closed to protect it from moisture, light, and excessive heat. It is mandated that the drug is not frozen and is not stored in high-humidity areas, such as a bathroom.

Child Safety and Security

Due to the opioid component, Opino is subject to strict regulatory security protocols. It is mandatory to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and store it in a locked cabinet or safe to prevent accidental ingestion or diversion. The drug must be discarded after its expiration date.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Opino must be disposed of using an authorized drug take-back program. Regulatory guidelines advise against throwing the medication into household trash or flushing it down the toilet unless the official drug label or the FDA Flush List explicitly instructs this procedure for immediate public safety.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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