CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell,
Medication: Buprenorphine
Medication: Buprenorphine
Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient buprenorphine to alleviate mild to moderate pain.
Key points:
• Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist.
• It is a Controlled Drug (Schedule 3, UK, USA).
• Buprenorphine may cause mild behavioral changes in your cat (euphoria, purring).
• Dosage: it may be prescribed to your cat for administration into the cheek pouch by the owner at home every 6-8 hours for the treatment of mild-moderate pain or your cat may have received an injection of long acting (24 hours) buprenorphine around the time of surgery at your veterinary surgery (USA only).
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
- Buprenorphine (bu-pren-orfin).
Brand name
- Buprecare®, Vetergesic®, Buprevet®, Bupaq®.
- Simbadol (USA only): 24 hour long-acting preparation of buprenorphine.
Class of medication
- Partial mu (µ) receptor opioid agonist.
Storage
- Do not store above 25°C and protect from light.
Why has my cat been prescribed buprenorphine?
Your cat has been prescribed buprenorphine for the relief of mild to moderate pain usually associated with surgery.
How is the medication given?
The traditional relatively short-acting preparation of buprenorphine is given at home by owners into the cheek pouch using a 1 ml syringe. It is important that the drug is not swallowed by the cat as this will render the drug ineffective. Your veterinarian should prefill the syringes with the correct dose of buprenorphine for your cat ready for administration.
Simbadol, the long-acting preparation of buprenorphine is given by your veterinarian subcutaneously every 24 hours for up to three days. The first dose should be given approximately one hour before surgery.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Like all partial mu opioid agonist drugs, buprenorphine can cause respiratory depression if given in high doses. It can also cause central nervous system (CNS) depression if given in combination with other sedatives. Euphoria and purring may be observed in cats given buprenorphine alone. Pupillary dilation (mydriasis) is to be expected after administration. Buprenorphine is metabolized in the liver therefore liver dysfunction will prolong the duration of action of the drug.
Simbadol has not been evaluated in cats less than 4 months of age or in pregnant in lactating cats and should not be used in these animals.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Buprenorphine should only be used for the short term (3-4 days) control of mild-moderate pain.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused buprenorphine safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save buprenorphine 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 cat 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?
Buprenorphine should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. Buprenorphine should not be taken by humans. Direct contact of buprenorphine with the eyes, oral or mucous membranes will lead to systemic absorption that may result in adverse effects. Abuse of buprenorphine poses a hazard of overdose and death. The risk is increased with concurrent abuse of alcohol and other substances including other opioids and benzodiazepines. In the case of emergency contact the physician with the package insert. Naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is for short term use only and monitoring should not be necessary while your cat is receiving this medication.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on buprenorphine can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- Buprenorphine (Vetergesic®). NOAH compendium. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-448828&fromsearch=true#iosfirsthighlight
USA
- Simbadol product insert. Website: www2.zoetisus.com/content/pages/products/cats/SIMBADOL-Resources/documents/simbadol-prescribing-information.pdf
- Simbadol frequently asked questions. Website: www.zoetisus.com/products/cats/simbadol/pdf/simbadol-faq.pdf
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.