Back to Analgesics

Brand

Buprenex

Pharmacology

Buprenorphine is a synthetic partial opiate agonist. It is a thebaine derivative.
Its activity is at the mu receptor which gives it a longer duration of analgesic action.
Respiratory depression is a possibility but gastrointestinal disturbances seem to be minimal with this drug.

It is well absorbed IM, and SQ, and is metabolized in the liver.

In rats, the drug concentrates in the liver, brain, gastrointestinal tract and placenta. It is then excreted in urine, and via breast milk.

It’s duration of action may last from 8 to 12 hours.

There is no evidence at this time of teratogenicity.

Indications

Used as an analgesic for pain relief following surgical procedures.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications:

It is incompatible with diazepam and lorazepam.

Compatible drugs are acepromazine, atropine, diphenhydramine, droperidol, glycopyrolate, hydroxyzine, scopolamine, and xylazine.

If used with other central nervous system depressants such as anesthetic agents, Antihistamines, phenothiazines, barbiturates and tranquilizers, may increase central nervous system, and respiratory depression.

Recommended not to use with MAO inhibitors.

Use with caution in respiratory compromise, and impaired liver or renal function.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: sedation, confusion, lethargy, agitation.

CV:  bradycardia

Respiratory:  decreased respiratory rate GI:  constipation

GU:  urinary retention

Skin:  itching

Other:  In the event of signs of overdose, such as cardiac and respiratory depression, administer naloxone 0.01 to 0.10 mg/kg SC, IP (narcotic reversal) ⁽¹⁾, fluids, O2, and vasopressors.

Dosage Recommendations

0.02 mg/kg to 0.50 mg/kg , SQ , IP , IV, q6hrs to q12hrs  ¹

or

0.05 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg , SQ , q6hrs to q12hrs  ²
See also Rat Analgesics,
by:Frank J Golder BVSc BPhil
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists
Department of Physiological Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine

Considerations

Many veterinarians find the margin of safety with this drug is greater in smaller animals than is butorphanol.

Store drug at room temperature.

Posted on June 23, 2003, 14:44, Last updated on March 17, 2008, 16:18 | Analgesics