Is your cat in pain? Buprenorphine might be the solution. This blog covers its use for short-term pain relief in cats, including dosages, administration methods, and side effects. Learn how buprenorphine, an FDA-approved opioid, can help manage your cat's pain effectively and safely, ensuring your furry friend's comfort and well-being.
Picture this: Your cat, normally lively and playful, has been quieter than usual. You notice they’re spending more time resting and seem hesitant to jump or move around. It's clear they might be in pain. When your furry friend isn't their usual self, you want to help them feel better without causing any harm. That's where buprenorphine comes in.
Buprenorphine is a medication used for short-term pain relief in cats, often in combination with other drugs to manage mild to moderate pain. It is typically administered subcutaneously (under the skin) or sublingually (under the tongue). Let's take a closer look at how buprenorphine can give your cat relief and what you should know about using it safely.
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What is Buprenorphine and its role?
Buprenorphine (known by brands like Buprenex, Simbadol, and Belbuca) is an FDA-approved partial agonist opioid for pain relief in cats. A partial agonist isn't as strong as full agonist painkillers like morphine or powerful drugs like heroin. Because of this, buprenorphine is safer compared to other opioids. It's frequently combined with other pain relievers, such as NSAIDs like carprofen or meloxicam, to enhance its analgesic effects.
Buprenorphine is often administered by squirting the injectable liquid into their mouths to help control pain. It helps relieve pain by working on the central nervous system. Buprenorphine blocks pain signals from travelling between the brain and the body, providing relief for up to 24 hours.
Zorbium for Cats: Zorbium is a transdermal solution containing buprenorphine that is applied to the skin at the base of a cat's neck. It starts providing pain relief within 1 to 2 hours and continuously releases the medication for up to four days, reducing or eliminating the need for additional pain control medications at home. Previously, the FDA approved Simbadol, an injectable form of buprenorphine. Zorbium is the first FDA-approved buprenorphine product designed for topical application in cats, making it safe for skin contact with no significant side effects and eliminating the need for injections.
Can Buprenorphine Be Mixed with Food for Cats?
Buprenorphine should not be mixed with food for cats, as it can affect its absorption. The formulation of buprenorphine allows for absorption through the mucous membranes/gums, and mixing it with food can decrease its effectiveness. Therefore, it is not recommended to mix buprenorphine with food for cats. The most common method of administration is orally, usually in a very small amount, directly into the cat's mouth to ensure proper absorption.
Does Buprenorphine for Cats Need to be Refrigerated?
Buprenorphine for cats generally does not need refrigeration, but it should be stored at room temperature, between 18°C and 26°C (64°F and 79°F), away from light and moisture. Do not freeze the injection liquid.
Buprenorphine for Cats How Long Does It Last?
Buprenorphine typically begins to work within 1 to 2 hours after administration. However, its pain-relieving effects are short-lived, lasting about 6 to 8 hours. Because of this, buprenorphine is usually prescribed to be given two to three times a day, depending on your pet's condition. In cases where a cat has decreased liver or kidney function, the benefits of buprenorphine may last longer than usual.
Buprenorphine for Cats How to Administer?
Buprenorphine can be given as an injection, oral drop, or spray. It is administered intramuscularly (into a muscle), intravenously (into a vein), or transmucosal (through mucus membranes).
Typically, buprenorphine is given via the transmucosal route, which involves absorbing the medication through the cat's gums or mouth lining. This method is preferred because it's noninvasive and easier to administer. For cats, the common transmucosal routes are buccal (inside the cheek) or sublingual (under the tongue). Given below is the detailed drug administration of Buprenorphine for cats:
- Buccal or Sublingual Route: Draw up the prescribed amount into a syringe. Squirt the medication into the cat's mouth, aiming for the cheek pouch or under the tongue.
- Subcutaneous Route: If instructed to inject buprenorphine under your cat's skin, ensure you understand the technique and appropriate injection sites.
Buprenorphine for Cats Dosage Chart
After surgery, buprenorphine is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly for acute pain management. The dosage ranges from 0.02 to 0.05 milligrams per lb of body weight.
Buprenorphine for Cats: Missed Dosage
If you forget to give your cat a dose of buprenorphine, administer the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. If it's close to the time for the next scheduled dose, it is recommended to skip the missed dose to avoid doubling up. It's important not to give extra doses of buprenorphine to your cat without your vet's advice.
Buprenorphine for Cats: Side Effects
Buprenorphine, like any veterinary medicine, can cause side effects in cats. One of the most common adverse effects is sedation, which may make your cat appear drowsy or sleepy. Although rare, vomiting can also occur. Other possible adverse reactions include:
- Respiratory depression (difficulty breathing or slow breathing rate)
- Excessive drowsiness
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea & vomiting
- Constipation
- Low heart rate or changes in blood pressure, body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Agitation (such as panting, purring, pacing, whining, or hiding)
- Dilated pupils
This medication can cause some side effects in cats, but overdoses are rare. Unlike other opioids, buprenorphine offers pain relief with fewer respiratory depression effects.
Buprenorphine for Cats Precautions
While buprenorphine can be an effective pain relief option for cats, it's important to use it with certain precautions in mind.
- Do not use if your cat is allergic to buprenorphine.
- Avoid use if your cat is being treated with amitraz (Mitaban).
- Use with caution if your cat has:
- Lung or liver disease
- Preexisting Conditions such as hypothyroidism, severe kidney disease, adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s disease), head trauma, or other serious central nervous system conditions.
- Do not allow your cat to eat or drink 30 minutes before or after administering buprenorphine to ensure proper absorption.
- Never exceed the prescribed amount, which is typically 0.05 ml-0.1 ml every 8-12 hours. If your cat appears overly drugged, consult your vet about reducing the dose.
- If you've received a needle, it is only for drawing the medication. Do not inject your pet with it.
- Due to its classification as a controlled substance, buprenorphine requires careful handling and storage to prevent misuse or accidental ingestion.
Alternatives to Buprenorphine for Cats
When considering pain relief options for cats, various alternatives to buprenorphine exist. These include:
- NSAIDs: metacam, onsior
- Opioids: codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, and tramadol
- Corticosteroids: dexamethasone and prednisolone.
- Gabapentin
- Alternative Therapies: acupuncture, physical therapy, dietary supplements
Make sure not to exceed the prescribed amount of buprenorphine for your cat. If an overdose occurs, seek advice from your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. While buprenorphine overdose is rarely life-threatening, it can cause discomfort for your cat. Your vet might also prescribe Naloxone to reduce the effects of overdose.
Buprenorphine is a valuable analgesia for cats, offering effective relief with few side effects. Proper administration, dosage, and use of Buprenorphine are essential for its effectiveness and safety. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance on using buprenorphine for your cat. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to consult Dr.Tail for expert advice.