Buprenorphine (Buprenex) For Cats and Dogs: What Are The Side Effects and Alternatives?

Nali Macklin - March 16th 2020

What is Buprenorphine
Dosage Of Buprenorphine
Side Effects Of Buprenorphine
Cost Of Buprenorphine
How does Buprenorphine interact with other drugs?
Are there any Alternatives to Buprenorphine?

What is Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine (also known as Buprenex) is a pain reliever commonly used in cats and dogs experiencing mild to moderate pain.

It is a type of analgesic (a medication that provides relief from pain without putting your pets to sleep or making them lose consciousness) used primarily to help manage and dull pain.

Buprenorphine is not an over-the-counter drug; a veterinarian must prescribe it.

This drug is 30 times stronger than morphine with high potential for abuse and misuse.

Therefore it should be taken very seriously.

Dosage Of Buprenophine

Buprenorphine is used in lower doses; since in higher doses, your pet may experience a “ceiling effect,” which means giving more of this drug does not create a more significant effect.

This is a potent drug, always give the exact amount that your vet has prescribed. Your pet should have a physical exam and lab work done before considering using this drug.

In cats, it is used by applying inside of cheek pouch or under the cat’s tongue. The drug is absorbed into the body directly from the mouth membranes making swallowing unnecessary.

In dogs, it is typically administered via intravenous or under the skin. When given orally, this drug doesn’t work as well as in cats. If you are asked by your vet to provide injections of this drug at home, make sure you follow your vet’s instructions carefully.

Side Effects Of Buprenorphine

Sedation (sleepiness) is the most common side effect of Buprenorphine, but other side effects may include:

Cats	Dogs
Dilated pupils	Agitation
Excessive licking	Constricted pupil
Gastrointestinal side effects	Dehydration
Pacing	Drop in blood pressure
Rubbing	Hypothermia
	Salivation
	Slow breathing
	Slow heart rate

Buprenorphine goes through the liver and kidney during the removal process. Therefore pets with liver disease or kidney disease will have prolonged effects from this drug.

Pets suffering from the following conditions should never be put on this drug:

Liver disease
Respiratory issues (including from heart failure or head trauma)
Sensitivity to opiates

You should take extreme caution if your pet has:

Addison's Disease
Central nervous system disfunction
Compromised cardiovascular function
Elderly/seriously debilitated
High cerebrospinal fluid levels
Hyperthyroidism
Severe Renal Insufficiency

Cost Of Buprenorphine

According to Drugs.com, the average cost for Buprenex (injectable solution) is around $89 for 5 milliliters worth of supply. However, the price will vary depending on which pharmacy you purchase.

How Does Buprenorphine Interact With Other Drugs?

Some medications may interact with Buprenorphine. Be sure to let your vet know all the medicines your pet is taking.

Here are some drugs that have known to interact with Buprenorphine:

Drug	Drug
Anticonvulsants	Antihistamines
Azole antifungals	Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines	Central nervous system depressant agents
Cisapride	Cyclobenzaprine
Desmopressin	Erythromycin
Fentanyl	Fluconazole (all antifungals)
Halothane	Itraconazole
Ketoconazole	Ketoconazole
Local anesthetics	MAOLs (antidepressants)
Metoclopramide	Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors
Naloxone	Pancurnium
Rifampin	Penobarbital
Serotonergic agents	Tramadol
Tranquilizers

Are There Any Alternatives To Buprenorphine?

Your vet may generally prescribe medications such as Buprenorphine to manage your pet’s pain. Although this drug is very effective, it can also come with dangerous side effects.

Many pet owners have been satisfied with using CBD oil as an alternative to pain management drugs such as Buprenorphine because of its pain-reducing properties.

There are ongoing researches on the side effects of CBD oil for dogs and cats, but so far, we have not seen any severe harm to pets.

CBD may not only help your pet manage their pain, but also has the potential to improve their health and quality of life.