CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell, Fear Free,
Medication: Butorphanol
Medication: Butorphanol
Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient butorphanol for mild to moderate pain relief or to prevent coughing.
Key points:
• Schedule IV controlled substance for relief of mild to moderate pain
• Use with care in dogs with MDR1 mutation.
• Do not use in pregnant or lactating dogs.
• Dosage: tablet(s) given 2 or 3 times daily.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Butorphanol.
Brand name
- Torbutrol®.
Class of medication
- Opioid agonist antagonist.
- Analgesic.
- Antitussive (cough suppressant).
- Anti-emetic (prevents vomiting).
Storage
- Store tablets at room temperature (20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)) and away from light.
Why has my dog been prescribed butorphanol?
Your veterinarian has prescribed butorphanol to control pain or for the relief of chronic non-productive cough associated with tracheobronchitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis. It also acts as an antagonist to some opioids and so can be used to reverse the effects of opioids such as morphine.
How is the medication given?
Butorphanol is given orally as tablets (with or without food). It may also be given as a nasal spray or by injection (IM, SC or IV) by your veterinarian.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Butorphanol is a short-acting drug and its analgesic effects are seen within 15 min. The most common side-effect is slight sedation. Other less frequent adverse reactions which have been reported include anorexia/nausea and diarrhea.
Use with care in dogs with MDR1 mutations. These include Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies, Long-haired Whippets, and Silken Windhounds.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Butorphanol should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused butorphanol safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save butorphanol for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Butorphanol should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not use in pregnant or lactating dogs
- Use with care in dogs with the MDR1 mutation
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on butorphanol?
If given at high doses, your dog’s respiratory rate should be monitored.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on butorphanol can be found on the package insert and the following website:
- Zoetis (US) Torbutrol® (butorphanol tartrate). Website: www2.zoetisus.com/content/_assets/docs/vmips/package-inserts/torbutrol_tablets.pdf
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.