Oxymorphone
Also known as: Numorphan, Opana
* When given parenterally, this agent should be used in an inpatient setting or with direct professional supervision. * **Safety Warning:** This is a potent opioid and a controlled substance. If dispensed for home use, keep 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
- As a preanesthetic/analgesic
- As an analgesic (acute pain)
- As an analgesic (acute pain) for animals with cardiovascular disease
- As an analgesic (acute pain)
- As an analgesic (acute pain)
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic
- Anesthetic induction in severely compromised horses
- To increase analgesia when used with ketamine/xylazine
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Decreased GI motility (constipation)
- Panting (commonly seen in dogs)
- Ataxia, hyperesthesia, and behavioral changes (cats at high dosages)
- CNS excitement (horses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to narcotic analgesics
- Patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Diarrhea caused by a toxic ingestion (until toxin is eliminated)
- Scorpion stings (Centruroides sculpturatus and C. gertschi)
- > **Extreme Caution:** Use with extreme caution in patients with head injuries, increased intracranial pressure, acute abdominal conditions (e.g., colic, as it may obscure diagnosis), respiratory disease, or acute respiratory dysfunction. * **Caution:** Use cautiously in patients with hypothyroidism, severe renal insufficiency, adrenocortical insufficiency, preexisting bradyarrhythmias, and in geriatric or severely debilitated patients. * **Species Specifics:** In cats, high dosages can produce bizarre behavioral changes; concomitant use of a tranquilizer is recommended. In horses, opiates can mask behavioral and cardiovascular signs of mild colic.
Drug interactions
- Butorphanol, Buprenorphine, Nalbuphine: Potentially could antagonize opiate effects
- CNS Depressants: Additive CNS effects possible
- Diuretics: Opiates may decrease efficacy in CHF patients
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Extreme caution; may cause signs of opiate overdose
- Muscle Relaxants, Skeletal: Oxymorphone may enhance effects
- Phenothiazines: May antagonize analgesic effects and increase risk for hypotension
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: Oxymorphone may exacerbate the effects of tricyclic antidepressants
- Warfarin: Opiates may potentiate anticoagulant activity
Frequently asked questions
What is Oxymorphone used for in pets?
* When given parenterally, this agent should be used in an inpatient setting or with direct professional supervision. * **Safety Warning:** This is a potent opioid and a controlled substance. If dispensed for home use, keep strictly out of reach of children and other pets.
Is Oxymorphone 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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