Buprenorphine for Dogs: An Opioid Medication for Mild-to-Moderate Pain
Key takeaways:
Buprenorphine (Buprenex) is a medication used to manage mild-to-moderate pain in dogs. It’s most often used in hospital settings. But sometimes it’s prescribed for home use.
Buprenorphine is available as an injection. It can also be given as a liquid by mouth.
The most common side effect of buprenorphine in dogs is mild sedation.
Table of contents
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that’s used to treat mild-to-moderate pain in dogs. Veterinarians use it in hospital settings before surgery involving anesthesia. Less often, it’s prescribed to manage pain in dogs at home.
Learn more about buprenorphine for dogs and how it compares with other pain medications.
Buprenorphine for dogs at a glance
Common names | Buprenorphine (Buprenex, Simbadol, Zorbium) |
What it treats | Mild-to-moderate pain |
How it comes (forms) | Oral liquid, injection |
Common side effects | Sedation |
What is buprenorphine for dogs, and how does it work?
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used to treat mild-to-moderate pain in dogs.
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Opioid medications work by attaching to pain receptors on nerve cells. This creates a series of chemical reactions that block pain signals from the brain.
Buprenorphine provides less pain relief for dogs than other opioids, like morphine and hydromorphone. It also takes longer, about 30 minutes, to relieve pain. But after taking effect, it lasts longer than other opioids.
What is buprenorphine used for in dogs?
Buprenorphine is used in dogs to relieve pain in hospital settings for painful procedures or before an anesthetic procedure. A veterinarian may prescribe buprenorphine to manage your dog’s mild-to-moderate pain at home. But it’s not common for dog owners to give buprenorphine at home because the injectable form is much more effective.
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Buprenorphine is not FDA approved for use in dogs. Buprenorphine is used off-label, a common practice in veterinary medicine.
Buprenorphine is considered a Schedule III narcotic. It has the potential for misuse and dependence in people.
What is the dosage of buprenorphine for dogs, and how is it given?
A veterinarian will determine the best dosage of buprenorphine injection in the hospital at the time it’s given. If prescribed for home use, buprenorphine’s dosage can vary greatly, depending on your dog’s size and medical condition. The liquid is given orally and absorbed by tissues in the mouth. The oral tablet available to people is not effective in dogs.
Follow the veterinarian’s dosing instructions closely. If your dog seems to still be in pain while on buprenorphine, the veterinarian may recommend a different pain medication.
What are the common side effects of buprenorphine in dogs?
Sedation is the most common side effect of buprenorphine in dogs, but it’s usually mild.
Other side effects can include:
Nausea
Slow heart rate
Hypothermia (low body temperature)
Agitation
Small pupils
Buprenorphine is usually well-tolerated by dogs at appropriate doses. It has a lower risk of side effects than other opioids.
What are the most serious risks of buprenorphine for dogs?
The most serious risk of buprenorphine in dogs is rapid or labored breathing. This is rare, but it is more likely with higher or inappropriate doses.
Other rare but serious side effects of buprenorphine in dogs include:
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Does buprenorphine interact with other dog medications?
Buprenorphine can interact with several other dog medications, including:
Local anesthetics
Anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and midazolam
Central nervous system depressant agents, such as antihistamines and some anxiety medications
Desmopressin
Erythromycin
Halothane
Antifungals, such as ketoconazole
Metoclopramide
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Naloxone (opioid reversal medication)
Other opioids, such as fentanyl and hydromorphone
Pancuronium
QT prolonging agents, such as cisapride and sotalol
Serotonergic agents, such as trazodone and fluoxetine
In some cases, interactions with other medications may be OK. For example, a veterinarian may combine medications for extra sedation or stronger pain relief.
So using buprenorphine together with the medications on this list is not necessarily inappropriate. Potential risks and benefits should be considered.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of buprenorphine?
If you miss giving your dog a dose by more than 1 to 2 hours, it may be best to wait until the next scheduled dose. But if your dog seems to be in pain, ask a veterinarian if you can give the next dose sooner.
Do not give your dog more buprenorphine than prescribed. This could extend how long it stays in your dog’s system or increase side effects. It may not provide more pain relief.
The bottom line
Buprenorphine (Buprenex) is used to treat mild-to-moderate pain in dogs. It’s usually used in hospital settings and given as an injection. Occasionally, a veterinarian will prescribe buprenorphine for home use. At home, it’s given by mouth and absorbed by oral tissues (not swallowed). The most common side effect of buprenorphine in dogs is mild sedation.
Buprenorphine is an opioid. It works by attaching to pain receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals. It is a controlled medication and should be given to your dog only as prescribed.
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References
Abbo, L. A., et al. (2008). Pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine following intravenous and oral transmucosal administration in dogs. Veterinary Therapeutics.
Brooks, W. (2024). Buprenorphine (Buprenex). Veterinary Partner.
Budde, J. A., et al. (2023). Buprenorphine. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022). Buprenorphine.
Enomoto, H., et al. (2022). Pharmacokinetics of intravenous, oral transmucosal, and intranasal buprenorphine in healthy male dogs. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Forsythe, R. L., et al. (n.d.). Buprenorphine. VCA Animal Hospitals.
Harari, J. (2024). Pain management in small animals with lameness. Merck Veterinary Manual.
