Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

It provides analgesia through high affinity, low intrinsic activity and slow dissociation with the mu receptor.

Uses of Buprenorphine

• Relief of mild to moderate perioperative pain.
• It may antagonize the effects of full opioid agonists (e.g. methadone, fentanyl).

Dose of Buprenorphine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Analgesia: 0.02 mg/kg i.v., i.m., s.c. q6h.

Cats:

• Analgesia: 0.02–0.03 mg/kg i.v., i.m., s.c. q6h.

Also well tolerated and effective when given orally transmucosal.

Side Effects of Buprenorphine in Dogs and Cats

• Buprenorphine crosses the placenta and may exert sedative effects in neonates born to bitches and queens treated prior to parturition.
• Pain on i.m. injection of the multidose preparation has been anecdotally reported.

Contraindications of Buprenorphine in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use for premedication when the administration of potent opioids during surgery is anticipated.

Some Notes:

• Buprenorphine may be mixed with acepromazine or dexmedetomidine to provide sedation for minor procedures or pre-anesthetic medication.
• The onset of action of buprenorphine may be slower than methadone (>15 min).
• The duration of effect is approximately 6 hours in cats and is likely to be similar in dogs.
• Buprenorphine is metabolized in the liver; some prolongation of effect may be seen with impaired liver function.
• The multidose preparation is unpalatable given sublingually due to the preservative.
• There is emerging evidence that the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine s.c. may be less than similar doses of buprenorphine administered i.m. or i.v. to cats, therefore, this route is not recommended in cats or dogs
• In common with other opioids, buprenorphine will reduce the doses of other drugs required for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.