BuprenorphineDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs, Horses, Pigs and Sheep.

Partial mu-opioid receptor agonist analgesic, with a ceiling effect on respiratory depression compared to full agonists. Buprenorphine is most often used as an analgesic for mild to moderate pain or in preanesthetic drug combinations in small animals. In most species, buprenorphine provides less analgesia than pure mu-opioid agonists (eg, morphine, hydromorphone) and it is less sedating than most other opioids (particularly butorphanol). For acute pain control, buprenorphine may have the disadvantage of a longer

Buprenorphine has partial agonist activity at the mu receptor and is a kappa-receptor antagonist. Buprenorphine is considered 30 times more potent than morphine and exhibits many of the same actions as the pure opioid agonists. It produces a dose-related analgesia; however, at higher doses, analgesic effects may plateau.

The drug is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to it or other opioids. Because of the potential for decreased clearance with subsequent exaggerated/prolonged effects, all opioids should be used with caution in patients that have hypothyroidism, impaired hepatic function, or adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s disease), and in pediatric, geriatric, or severely debilitated patients.

Although rare, respiratory depression appears to be the major adverse effect. Other adverse effects (eg, sedation, nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, excitement [primarily cats and horses]) may be noted but generally occur less frequently as compared with other opioids. In dogs, as with other opioids, salivation, bradycardia, hypothermia, agitation, dehydration, and miosis have been reported. Tachy- cardia, vomiting, and high blood pressure rarely occur.

■ Analgesic efficacy (pain scores) ■ Respiratory effects (respiratory rate, ETCO2, SpO2) ■ Cardiac effects (heart rate, ECG, blood pressure) ■ Body temperature (in cats, due to potential development of hyperthermia)