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Butorphanol

CDSCO approved
Opioid agonist-antagonist (kappa agonist, mu antagonist)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
4 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Agonist at kappa opioid receptors providing visceral analgesia and sedation; antagonist/partial agonist at mu receptors providing ceiling effect on respiratory depression

At a glance

Class
Opioid agonist-antagonist (kappa agonist, mu antagonist)
Schedule
Controlled Substance
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1995-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Mild-moderate pain / Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Antitussive
Dose
0.1–0.4 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SC
Frequency
q2–4h
Max dose
10 mg/dose; 40 mg/day
Duration: As needed; short duration of action
🐈

Cat

Mild-moderate pain / Pre-anaesthetic sedation
Dose
0.1–0.4 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SC
Frequency
q2–6h
Max dose
2 mg/dose; 8 mg/day
Duration: As needed

Formulations

💉

Injection — 1

Strength
10mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity to butorphanol

Use with caution

  • Head trauma / Increased ICP
    May increase ICP
  • Concurrent pure mu agonists
    May antagonize mu-mediated analgesia

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation
Ataxia
Salivation (cats)
Serious
Respiratory depression (less than pure mu agonists)
Bradycardia

Monitoring parameters

Pain scoresRespiratory rateHeart rateSedation level

Interactions

Major — 2

Fentanyl
major
Butorphanol is a mu-antagonist/kappa-agonist that can partially reverse fentanyl's mu-agonist effects
Management: Avoid concurrent use. Butorphanol can reduce fentanyl analgesia. Use one or the other.
Buprenorphine
major
Both are partial/mixed opioid agonists; compete for mu receptors, reducing analgesia
Management: Do not use concurrently. Choose one opioid.

Moderate — 1

Dexmedetomidine
moderate
Standard sedation combination. Synergistic sedation and analgesia. Additive cardiovascular depression (bradycardia from alpha-2; mild cardiac depression from butorphanol).
Management: Common clinical combination at reduced doses of each. Monitor heart rate. Fully reversible (atipamezole + naloxone).

Minor — 1

Naloxone
minor
Naloxone reverses butorphanol's opioid effects (intended reversal agent)
Management: Standard reversal. Naloxone will reverse both sedation and analgesia.

Brands

International

Torbugesic
Zoetis

India

Butordol
Neon Labs
Butrum
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Butorphanol?
Butorphanol is a opioid agonist-antagonist (kappa agonist, mu antagonist) used in pets. Agonist at kappa opioid receptors providing visceral analgesia and sedation; antagonist/partial agonist at mu receptors providing ceiling effect on respiratory depression
›What is Butorphanol used for in pets?
Butorphanol is used in veterinary medicine for: Mild-moderate pain / Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Antitussive; Mild-moderate pain / Pre-anaesthetic sedation.
›What is the Butorphanol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Butorphanol is typically dosed as follows — Mild-moderate pain / Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Antitussive: 0.1–0.4 mg/kg IV/IM/SC q2–4h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Butorphanol dose for cats?
For cats, Butorphanol is typically dosed as follows — Mild-moderate pain / Pre-anaesthetic sedation: 0.1–0.4 mg/kg IV/IM/SC q2–6h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Butorphanol?
Common: Sedation, Ataxia, Salivation (cats). Serious (call your vet immediately): Respiratory depression (less than pure mu agonists), Bradycardia.
›Does Butorphanol need a prescription?
Butorphanol is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
›When should Butorphanol not be used?
Do not use Butorphanol if: Known hypersensitivity to butorphanol.

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 →