🐾PawHealth
Pain ReliefPrescription RequiredDogCat

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

Buprenorphine hydrochloride

Drug Class

Pain Relief

Available Forms

Injectable, Buccal/oral transmucosal

Approved For

DogCat

Dosage Guide

Cats: 0.01-0.03 mg/kg buccally every 8-12 hours (excellent transmucosal absorption). Dogs: 0.01-0.03 mg/kg IV/IM/SC every 6-8 hours.

This is a general reference only. Always follow your veterinarian's prescribed dosage for your specific pet.

Side Effects

  • •Sedation
  • •Mild respiratory depression (rare at therapeutic doses)
  • •Dilated pupils (cats)
  • •Euphoria or dysphoria (uncommon)

Important Warnings

  • !Controlled substance (Schedule III)
  • !Use with caution in animals with head trauma or respiratory disease
  • !May cause increased motor activity in some cats
  • !Harder to reverse than pure mu-agonists if respiratory depression occurs

Contraindications

Do not use this medication in the following situations:

  • ✕Known hypersensitivity
  • ✕Use with caution with other CNS depressants

Medical Disclaimer

This medication guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Dosages vary based on weight, age, health status, and concurrent medications. Never give human medications to pets without veterinary approval — many common human drugs are toxic or fatal to animals.