Buprenorphine (Buprenex) For Cats and Dogs

Buprenorphine (Buprenex) For Cats and Dogs. Buprenorphine (also known as Buprenex) is a pain reliever commonly used in cats and dogs experiencing mild to moderate pain. It is often prescribed to manage pain after surgery or an injury, especially for cats.

It is a type of analgesic (a medication that provides relief from pain without putting your pets to sleep or making them lose consciousness) used primarily to help manage and dull pain.

Buprenorphine is not an over-the-counter drug; a veterinarian must prescribe it.

While this drug is less dangerous than some other opioid medications, it can still have side effects and should be used carefully.

DOSAGE OF BUPRENOPHINE

Buprenorphine is used in lower doses; since in higher doses, your pet may experience a “ceiling effect,” which means giving more of this drug does not create a more significant effect.

This is a potent drug, always give the exact amount that your vet has prescribed. Your pet should have a physical exam and lab work done before considering using this drug.

In cats, it is used by applying inside of the cheek pouch or under the cat’s tongue. The drug is absorbed into the body directly from the mouth membranes making swallowing unnecessary.

In dogs, it is typically administered via intravenous injection (into a vein) or under the skin. When given orally, this drug doesn’t work as well as in cats. If you are asked by your vet to provide injections of this drug at home, make sure you follow your vet’s instructions carefully.

SIDE EFFECTS OF BUPRENORPHINE

Sedation (sleepiness) is the most common side effect of Buprenorphine, but other side effects may include:

CATS	DOGS
Dilated pupils	Agitation
Excessive licking	Constricted pupil
Gastrointestinal side effects	Slow heart rate
Pacing	Drop in blood pressure
Rubbing	Lower Body Temperature
	Salivation
	Slow breathing

The most potentially serious side effect of buprenorphine is slowed breathing. This side effect is more likely when buprenorphine is used in a surgical setting by veterinarians, but it is also something to watch for in animals given the medication at home. If your dog or cat takes buprenorphine and you have concerns about slow breathing, contact your vet’s office.

Buprenorphine is broken down by the liver and intestinal lining in dogs and cats. Therefore, pets with liver disease may eliminate this drug more slowly and experience prolonged effects.

Your vet will help determine whether buprenorphine is safe for your pet. Buprenorphine is used with extreme caution or avoided in dogs and cats with the following conditions:

• Severe liver disease
• Severe respiratory issues (including from heart failure or head trauma)
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to opioids

Buprenorphine should also be used with caution in pets with:

• Addison’s Disease
• Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) dysfunction
• Heart or lung problems
• Very young, very old, or very sick/weak animals
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels)
• Liver problems