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Buprenorphine

Opioid partial mu agonist
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
4 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Partial agonist at mu opioid receptors with high receptor affinity and slow dissociation, providing prolonged moderate analgesia with ceiling effect on respiratory depression; also kappa antagonist

At a glance

Class
Opioid partial mu agonist
Schedule
Controlled Substance
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light; Schedule H controlled substance

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Moderate pain / Perioperative analgesia
Dose
0.01–0.04 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, OTM (transmucosal)
Frequency
q6–8h
Max dose
1 mg/dose; 4 mg/day
Duration: As needed; longer duration than butorphanol
🐈

Cat

Moderate pain / Perioperative analgesia
Dose
0.01–0.03 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, OTM (transmucosal)
Frequency
q6–12h
Max dose
0.3 mg/dose; 0.6 mg/day
Duration: OTM route preferred in cats; excellent buccal absorption
Extended-release (Simbadol)
Dose
0.24 mg/kg
Route
SC
Frequency
Once, lasts 24–72h
Max dose
1.8 mg
Duration: Single injection for perioperative pain

Formulations

💉

Injection — 1

Strength
0.3mg/mL
Available in India
💉

Injection (extended-release, simbadol) — 1

Strength
1.8mg/mL

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light; Schedule H controlled substance

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity

Use with caution

  • Concurrent full mu agonists
    May partially antagonize; administer buprenorphine first or avoid
  • Severe hepatic disease
    Hepatic metabolism

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation
Hypothermia (cats)
Mydriasis (cats)
Serious
Respiratory depression (less than full agonists)
Bradycardia
Difficult to antagonize with naloxone due to high receptor affinity

Monitoring parameters

Pain scoresRespiratory rateBody temperature (cats)Heart rate

Interactions

Major — 4

Butorphanol
major
Both are partial/mixed opioid agonists; compete for mu receptors, reducing analgesia
Management: Do not use concurrently. Choose one opioid.
Morphine Sulfate
major
Buprenorphine is a partial mu-agonist with very high receptor binding affinity. It occupies mu-receptors and prevents full agonists from achieving full analgesic potential.
Management: Do not combine. Allow 4-6h for buprenorphine dissociation before giving full mu-agonist. If rescue needed on buprenorphine, use non-opioid (NSAID, ketamine CRI).
Hydromorphone
major
Buprenorphine's high mu-receptor affinity and partial agonist ceiling effect blocks hydromorphone from achieving full analgesia.
Management: Do not combine. Allow buprenorphine to wear off (4-6h) before full mu-agonist.
Fentanyl
major
Buprenorphine displaces fentanyl from mu-receptors due to higher binding affinity, reducing fentanyl analgesic effect.
Management: Do not combine. If fentanyl CRI running and analgesia inadequate, increase fentanyl dose rather than adding buprenorphine.

Brands

India

Buprigesic
Neon Labs
Bupricare
Intas

International

Simbadol
Zoetis
Buprenodale
Dechra

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a opioid partial mu agonist used in pets. Partial agonist at mu opioid receptors with high receptor affinity and slow dissociation, providing prolonged moderate analgesia with ceiling effect on respiratory depression; also kappa antagonist
›What is Buprenorphine used for in pets?
Buprenorphine is used in veterinary medicine for: Moderate pain / Perioperative analgesia; Extended-release (Simbadol).
›What is the Buprenorphine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Buprenorphine is typically dosed as follows — Moderate pain / Perioperative analgesia: 0.01–0.04 mg/kg IV/IM/OTM (transmucosal) q6–8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Buprenorphine dose for cats?
For cats, Buprenorphine is typically dosed as follows — Moderate pain / Perioperative analgesia: 0.01–0.03 mg/kg IV/IM/OTM (transmucosal) q6–12h; Extended-release (Simbadol): 0.24 mg/kg SC Once, lasts 24–72h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Buprenorphine?
Common: Sedation, Hypothermia (cats), Mydriasis (cats). Serious (call your vet immediately): Respiratory depression (less than full agonists), Bradycardia, Difficult to antagonize with naloxone due to high receptor affinity.
›Does Buprenorphine need a prescription?
Buprenorphine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
›When should Buprenorphine not be used?
Do not use Buprenorphine if: Known hypersensitivity.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →