Torbugesic® for Dogs and Cats

Overview of Butorphanol Tartrate for Dogs and Cats

Butorphanol tartrate, commonly known by the brand names Torbugesic®, Torbutrol®, or Dolorex®, is a medication frequently prescribed in dogs and cats for pain relief and cough suppression. As veterinary medicine continues to advance, pain management has become an increasingly important part of animal care, and butorphanol plays a valuable role in this area.

Butorphanol is classified as an opioid agonist analgesic. Other medications in this class include morphine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and meperidine. While butorphanol provides effective pain relief and sedation, its effects are relatively short-lived compared to some other opioids.

In addition to pain control, it is commonly used in anesthesia protocols and as a post-operative analgesic. The drug is also effective at suppressing coughing, particularly in dogs.

Because butorphanol is a controlled substance, it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled drug, meaning it has a recognized medical use but potential for abuse. As a result, it can only be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian with an active DEA registration, and refills are strictly regulated.

Brand Names and Other Names of Butorphanol Tartrate

Butorphanol is approved for use in both humans and animals. Human formulations are marketed under the brand name Stadol® (Mead Johnson). Veterinary formulations include Torbugesic® and Torbutrol® (Fort Dodge) as well as Dolorex® (Merck).

Uses of Torbugesic for Cats and Dogs

The primary uses of butorphanol in dogs and cats are pain relief and cough suppression. It may be prescribed to manage mild to moderate pain associated with injury, surgery, or diagnostic procedures. In addition, its cough-suppressing properties make it useful for treating persistent, non-productive coughing in dogs.

In some cases, butorphanol may also be used to help prevent or control vomiting, particularly when nausea is associated with pain or stress.

Precautions and Potential Side Effects

Butorphanol is generally safe and effective when used as prescribed by a veterinarian, but side effects can occur in some animals. It should not be used in pets with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the medication. Signs of an allergic reaction may include facial swelling, hives, skin irritation, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, veterinary attention should be sought immediately.

Caution is advised when using butorphanol in animals with certain underlying conditions, including hypothyroidism, kidney disease, advanced age, or severe systemic illness. The medication should also be avoided in pets with head trauma or neurological disorders, as it may worsen nervous system effects.

Butorphanol can interact with other medications, including tranquilizers, barbiturates, and antihistamines. Always inform your veterinarian of any other drugs or supplements your pet is receiving. The most commonly reported side effects include sedation, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.

How Butorphanol Tartare Is Supplied

Butorphanol is available in several formulations. Oral tablets are commonly supplied in 1 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg strengths. Injectable forms are available in concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, and 10 mg/ml. A 10 mg/ml nasal spray formulation is also available, primarily for human use but occasionally encountered in veterinary settings.

Dosing Information for Dogs and Cats

Butorphanol should never be administered without guidance from a veterinarian. The dosage depends on the condition being treated, the pet’s weight, and individual response to the medication.

For pain control, butorphanol is typically dosed at 0.05 to 0.4 mg per pound (0.1 to 1 mg/kg) and may be given two to six times per day. For cough suppression, lower doses are generally used, ranging from 0.025 to 0.05 mg per pound (0.055 to 0.11 mg/kg), administered two to four times daily.

The duration of treatment varies based on the medical condition and how the pet responds to therapy. It is important to follow the full treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your pet appears to improve, unless you are specifically instructed otherwise. Completing the prescribed course helps reduce the risk of relapse or treatment failure.