Butorphanol

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Butorphanol is an opioid analgesic used to relieve pain in your pet after a surgical operation. Your veterinarian will administer the drug by injection for pain control.

Opioid drugs also suppress coughing and butorphanol is also used as an antitussive in dogs. It is used for animals with a non-productive cough.

How do I give this medication? Only the injectable formulation is available in Australia.

Your veterinarian will give this medication as an injection.

Potential side effects

- Your pet may experience some drowsiness, incoordination, loss of appetite, slowed breathing, and diarrhoea, but these effects should disappear after a while. If these symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. The risk of serious drug interactions is low and should be kept in perspective.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.