MDose · Veterinary drug reference
BUTORPHANOL
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications7
Chronic non-productive cough (tracheobronchitis etc.)
DogOn-label (ON_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Chronic non-productive cough (tracheobronchitis etc.) — Authorized (FDA)
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pre-anesthetic, mild-moderate analgesia, antiemetic (pre-cisplatin)
DogCatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Pre-anesthetic, mild-moderate analgesia, antiemetic (pre-cisplatin) — Extra-label
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Pre-anesthetic, mild-moderate analgesia, antiemetic (pre-cisplatin) — Extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Colic-associated pain
HorseOn-label (ON_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Colic-associated pain — Authorized (FDA)
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Sedation/analgesia combos, chemical restraint
RabbitFerretExotic / small mammalExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)3 source records · View provenance
- Rabbit · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/analgesia combos, chemical restraint — Extra-label
- Ferret · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/analgesia combos, chemical restraint — Extra-label
- Exotic / small mammal · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/analgesia combos, chemical restraint — Extra-label
- Rabbit · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens11
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects203
Sedation, ataxia, anorexia/diarrhea — Occasional, rarely severe
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Transient ataxia/sedation; CNS excitement at high IV doses — Dose-related
HorseNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Vomiting576 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS537 reports
- Death449 reports
- Diarrhoea368 reports
- Bradycardia350 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')324 reports
- Anorexia300 reports
- Injection site swelling267 reports
- Death by euthanasia242 reports
- Seizure NOS241 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in Neurological)230 reports
- Cardiac arrest219 reports
Cat
- Death387 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS207 reports
- Anorexia176 reports
- Not eating168 reports
- Cardiac arrest166 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS156 reports
- Dilated pupils149 reports
- Fever149 reports
- Hyperactivity148 reports
- Death by euthanasia140 reports
- Ataxia139 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')130 reports
Monitoring1
Analgesic/antitussive efficacy; sedation level; respiratory status
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Hypersensitivity
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Liver disease (manufacturer specific warning); lower-respiratory conditions with copious mucus (antitussive suppresses productive cough); MDR1-mutant dogs — reduce dose 25% (het) to 30–50% (homozygous); heartworm disease (safety not established)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Poor choice as sole analgesic for moderate–severe small-animal pain — short analgesic duration (~1h) despite longer sedation.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Available in two injectable strengths (0.5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL) — inadvertent 20x overdose risk if concentration is confused.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Reduce dose in MDR1-mutant breeds (Collies, Australian Shepherds, etc.) — more pronounced/prolonged sedation.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions3
Other CNS depressants — Additive CNS/respiratory depression
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Erythromycin, theophylline — May decrease butorphanol metabolism
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Fentanyl/other pure agonists — May antagonize some analgesic effect (controversial)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics5
Bioavailability — Complete PO absorption but only ~1/6 reaches circulation (high first-pass)
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — ~80% (human data)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — Not detailed for dog/cat; onset ~3 min IV, duration up to 4h (horse)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic — hydroxylation, N-dealkylation, conjugation; metabolites inactive
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Mainly urinary (~5% unchanged), 11–14% biliary/fecal
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
No controlled studies; manufacturer does not recommend in pregnant bitches, foals/weanlings, or breeding horses. Distributed into milk but not clinically significant amounts.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 172–175; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. (monograph adjacent to Buprenorphine, p. ~90) — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references14
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- USE OF GUAIFENESIN-KETAMINE-XYLAZINE INFUSION FOR MAINTENANCE OF ANESTHESIA IN CAPTIVE PREZEWALSKI HORSES (EQUUS FERUS PRZEWALSKI ): A CASE SERIES.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Echocardiographic effects of medetomidine, butorphanol, and their combination in donkeys.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Evaluation of Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) Chemical Immobilization in a Captive Research Facility in Wyoming, USA (2021-24).
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Butorphanol Pharmacokinetics Across Species: Meta-Analysis Integrating Allometric Scaling and Minimal Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Effect of Intranasal Midazolam-Butorphanol Premedication on Sevoflurane Anaesthesia in Traumatised Buzzards (Buteo spp.).
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.