Buprenorphine
Also known as: Buprenex, Subutex, Suboxone, Butrans, Temgesic, Simbadol, Zorbium, Bupaq, Buprecare, Buprenodale, Buprevet, Vetergesic
Buprenorphine is a potent pain reliever that is often sent home for use in cats and small dogs. * **Administration Technique**: If you are instructed to give this medication by mouth, **do not squirt it down the throat**. Instead, place the tip of the syringe into the side of the mouth (the cheek pouch or under the tongue) and administer the liquid. The drug is absorbed directly through the gums. If swallowed, it is largely destroyed by the liver before it can work. * **Preparation**: Pre-measuring dosages in syringes is highly recommended to ensure accurate dosing at home. * **What to Expect**: Your pet may become slightly sleepy or, less commonly, a bit restless or vocal. * **Safety**: This medication is very safe when used as directed, but it is a controlled substance. Keep it strictly out of reach of children and other pets.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia in the emergent patient
- Analgesia
- Neuroleptanalgesia
- Neuroleptanalgesia
- Analgesia (acute or chronic visceral pain)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Respiratory depression (rare but significant)
- Sedation
- Urine retention or difficulty voiding (particularly with high IV or epidural doses)
- Excitement (horses)
- Diminished gut sounds (horses)
- Vomiting (rare in cats)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to buprenorphine
- Use with caution in patients with hypothyroidism, severe renal insufficiency, adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's), and in geriatric or severely debilitated patients. Use cautiously in patients with compromised cardiopulmonary function due to the rare risk of respiratory depression. Extreme caution is required in patients with head trauma, increased CSF pressure, or CNS dysfunction (e.g., coma). Patients with severe hepatic dysfunction may eliminate the drug more slowly. May increase bile duct pressure; use cautiously in biliary tract disease.
Drug interactions
- Local Anesthetics (mepivacaine, bupivacaine): May be potentiated by concomitant use of buprenorphine
- Anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin): May decrease plasma buprenorphine levels
- Benzodiazepines: Case reports of humans developing respiratory/cardiovascular/CNS depression; use with caution
- CNS Depressants (anesthetics, antihistamines, phenothiazines, barbiturates, alcohol): May cause increased CNS or respiratory depression when used with buprenorphine
- Erythromycin: Can increase plasma buprenorphine levels
- Fentanyl (and other pure opiate agonists): Buprenorphine may potentially antagonize some analgesic effects, but may also reverse some sedative and respiratory depressant effects
- Halothane: Potentially can increase buprenorphine effects
- Azole Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole): Can increase plasma buprenorphine levels
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (selegiline, amitraz): Possible additive effects or increased CNS depression
- Naloxone: May reduce analgesia associated with high dose buprenorphine
Frequently asked questions
What is Buprenorphine used for in pets?
Buprenorphine is a potent pain reliever that is often sent home for use in cats and small dogs. * **Administration Technique**: If you are instructed to give this medication by mouth, **do not squirt it down the throat**. Instead, place the tip of the syringe into the side of the mouth (the cheek pouch or under the tongue) and administer the liquid. The drug is absorbed directly through the gums. If swallowed, it is largely destroyed by the liver before it can work. * **Preparation**: Pre-measuring dosages in syringes is highly recommended to ensure accurate dosing at home. * **What to Expect**: Your pet may become slightly sleepy or, less commonly, a bit restless or vocal. * **Safety**: This medication is very safe when used as directed, but it is a controlled substance. Keep it strictly out of reach of children and other pets.
Is Buprenorphine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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