Buprenorphine is among the class of opiate drugs that bind to opiate receptors and prevent the sensation of pain produced by brain chemicals. A synthetic opiate, Buprenorphine is often used for the management of moderate pain.
Buprenorphine is similar to morphine, but without the associated gastrointestinal side effects. Buprenorphine is also 30 times stronger than morphine, the original opiate narcotic that all others are compared to in terms of potency and effectiveness.
Buprenorphine Uses in Veterinary Medicine
In veterinary medicine, buprenorphine can be administered to canines and felines. A veterinarian may see fit to prescribe buprenorphine for the management of pain associated with tissue inflammation due to infection or pathological disease, tissue necrosis, tissue spasms, ischemia and trauma resulting from wounds, fractures and joint injuries.
Buprenorphine is only available by prescription from a specialist in veterinary medicine. Additionally, as with many other drug therapies in veterinary medicine, Buprenorphine is only approved by the FDA for use in humans, not animals. However, veterinarians are able to prescribe the drug as an extra label medication under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act.
Buprenorphine — Precautions and Potential Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine
Buprenorphine is heavily regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency. As a result, cases of misuse and overdose are extremely rare. Buprenorphine is often administered onsite at the prescribing veterinary clinic or hospital.
In terms of precautions, allergic or hypersensitive patients should not be given buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is also generally not recommended for use in animals with Addison’s disease and kidney disease. Geriatric patients and animals with liver disease, severe head trauma or cardiovascular conditions may require close monitoring throughout treatment.
As with all forms of drug therapy, buprenorphine treatment can include potential side effects. The most common potential side effect is sedation.
Veterinary Compounding of Buprenorphine
As trusted experts in veterinary compounding, Diamondback Drugs can develop the following formulations of buprenorphine: capsules, liquid solutions or ointments, topical solutions or ointments and injectables.
Buprenorphine tends to absorb quickly when administered intravenously or orally. However, your specialist in veterinary medicine will determine the appropriate dose and formulation for your pet.
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