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Butorphanol in Veterinary Medicine-Facts and Information

Butorphanol

Updated on September 10, 2024

Opiate partial agonist, controlled substance (Schedule IV).

Butorphanol

Summary

Used For: Analgesia, anti-tussive (controls coughing), anti-emetic (controls vomiting), anesthetic protocols

Brands: Stadol, Torbutrol, Torbugesic

Species: Dogs, cats, others

Drug type: Pain-reliever

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Manufacturer does not recommend use in pregnant dogs, foals, weanlings (horses) or breeding horses.

Side effects: Sedation, excitement, decreased respiratory rate, ataxia, decreased or absent appetite, diarrhea

General description

Butorphanol is an opiate partial agonist used in dogs, cats and many other species. It is a controlled substance used as an analgesic (pain medication), antitussive (cough suppressant), antiemetic (controls vomiting) and as an anesthetic drug used in conjunction with other medications.

Uses

Analgesia (pain control), antitussive (cough suppressant), antiemetic (controls vomiting), anesthetic agent

How it works

Butorphanol can be given for the relief of mild pain, the relief of chronic non-productive cough, the relief of vomiting associated with a certain chemotherapy drug (cisplatin) and is used in conjunction with other medications to induce sedation/anesthesia.

Dosage

**Dogs**: 0.055-1.1 milligrams per kilogram body weight every 6-12 hours. Dose varies with underlying ailment being treated as well as the route the drug is being administered. **Cats**: 0.4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight injected under the skin repeated up to 4 times per day for 2 days (FDA-approved dosing). **All other doses for other species are off-label dosages. The medication dosages listed can vary based on underlying medical conditions and indication for use. Medications should only be administered to pets under the direct guidance of a veterinarian.

Forms

Butorphanol for injection comes in 0.5, 2 or 10 milligrams per milliliter concentrations. Butorphanol tablets for oral use come in 1, 5, and 10 milligram sizes.

Storage information & handling

Butorphanol tablets should be stored at room temperature. The injectable form should be stored away from bright light at room temperature.

What results can I expect?

Pet parents should notice their pet seems less painful, coughs less (if coughing was an issue) and may be more sedate or drowsy.

Missed Dosage

If a dose is missed, continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Acute life-threatening overdoses with butorphanol are unlikely with the oral form. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has received an overdose.

Side effects

May include: * Sedation * Excitement * Decreased respiratory rate * Stumbling (ataxia) * Decreased or absent appetite * Diarrhea (rarely)

Contraindications

*Do not use in animals with a previous sensitivity to butorphanol.

Drug interactions

Central nervous system depressants may increase the effects of butorphanol. Erythromycin and theophylline may decrease the metabolism of butorphanol. Fentanyl may alter the effect of butorphanol. Pancuronium may cause changes in the conjunctiva when used with butorphanol.

Precaution

Butorphanol should be used with caution in patients with hypothyroidism, severe kidney disease, Addison’s disease, geriatric animals and severely debilitated animals. Use with extreme caution in patients with head trauma, increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure or central nervous system dysfunction. The manufacturer recommends avoiding use in dogs with a history of liver disease, conditions of the lower respiratory tract associated with high mucus production and heartworm disease. The dose of butorphanol given to dogs with the MDR1 (ABCB-1) gene mutation should be decreased.

Sources

*Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook*

Manufacturer information: Zoetis

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.