Butorphanol Tartrate

Generic Name: butorphanol tartrate

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Butorphanol Tartrate

DESCRIPTION Butorphanol tartrate is a synthetically derived opioid agonist-antagonist analgesic of the phenanthrene series. The chemical name is (-)-17-(cyclobutylmethyl) morphinan-3, 14-diol D-(-)- tartrate (1:1) (salt). The molecular formula is C 21 H 29 NO 2 ∙ C 4 H 6 O 6 , which corresponds to a molecular weight of 477.56 and the following structural formula: Butorphanol tartrate is a white crystalline substance. The dose is expressed as the tartrate salt.

Overview

DESCRIPTION Butorphanol tartrate is a synthetically derived opioid agonist-antagonist analgesic of the phenanthrene series. The chemical name is (-)-17-(cyclobutylmethyl) morphinan-3, 14-diol D-(-)- tartrate (1:1) (salt). The molecular formula is C 21 H 29 NO 2 ∙ C 4 H 6 O 6 , which corresponds to a molecular weight of 477.56 and the following structural formula: Butorphanol tartrate is a white crystalline substance. The dose is expressed as the tartrate salt.

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Butorphanol Tartrate Injection is indicated - as a preoperative or pre-anesthetic medication - as a supplement to balanced anesthesia - for the relief of pain during labor, and - for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy [see WARNINGS ], reserve opioid analgesics, including butorphanol tartrate, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Butorphanol Tartrate Injection should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are ‎knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the ‎associated risks.‎ Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see WARNINGS ].

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Trial Experience A total of 1658 patients were studied in premarketing clinical trials of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection. In nearly all cases the type and incidence of side effects with butorphanol were those commonly observed with opioid analgesics. The adverse experiences described below are based on data from short- and long-term clinical trials in patients receiving Butorphanol Tartrate Injection. The most frequently reported adverse experiences across all clinical trials with Butorphanol Tartrate Injection and Nasal Spray were somnolence (43%), dizziness (19%), nausea and/or vomiting (13%).

Interactions

Drug Interactions Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), and other opioids, can increase the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see WARNINGS ].

Warnings

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE INJECTION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ] . WARNINGS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Butorphanol Tartrate Injection is a Schedule IV controlled substance. As an opioid, butorphanol tartrate exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ]. Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed butorphanol tartrate. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. CONTRAINDICATIONS Butorphanol Tartrate Injection is contraindicated in: • Patients with significant respiratory depression [see WARNINGS ] • Patients with acute of severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see WARNINGS ] • Patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see WARNINGS ] • Patients with hy...

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Reproduction studies in mice, rats, and rabbits during organogenesis did not reveal any teratogenic potential to butorphanol. However, pregnant rats treated subcutaneously with butorphanol at 1 mg/kg (5.9 mg/m 2 ) had a higher frequency of stillbirths than controls. Butorphanol at 30 mg/kg/oral (360 mg/m 2 ) and 60 mg/kg/oral (720 mg/m 2 ) also showed higher incidences of post‑implantation loss in rabbits. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection in pregnant women before 37 weeks of gestation.

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butorphanol Tartrate used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Butorphanol Tartrate Injection is indicated - as a preoperative or pre-anesthetic medication - as a supplement to balanced anesthesia - for the relief of pain during labor, and - for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy [see WARNINGS ], reserve opioid analgesics, including butorphanol tartrate, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.

What are the side effects of Butorphanol Tartrate?

ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Trial Experience A total of 1658 patients were studied in premarketing clinical trials of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection. In nearly all cases the type and incidence of side effects with butorphanol were those commonly observed with opioid analgesics. The adverse experiences described below are based on data from short- and long-term clinical trials in patients receiving Butorphanol Tartrate Injection. The most frequently reported adverse experiences across all clinical trials with Butorphanol Tartrate Injection and Nasal Spray were somnolence (43%), dizziness (19%), nausea and/or vomiting (13%).

Can I take Butorphanol Tartrate during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Reproduction studies in mice, rats, and rabbits during organogenesis did not reveal any teratogenic potential to butorphanol. However, pregnant rats treated subcutaneously with butorphanol at 1 mg/kg (5.9 mg/m 2 ) had a higher frequency of stillbirths than controls. Butorphanol at 30 mg/kg/oral (360 mg/m 2 ) and 60 mg/kg/oral (720 mg/m 2 ) also showed higher incidences of post‑implantation loss in rabbits. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection in pregnant women before 37 weeks of gestation.

What are the important warnings for Butorphanol Tartrate?

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE INJECTION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ] . WARNINGS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Butorphanol Tartrate Injection is a Schedule IV controlled substance. As an opioid, butorphanol tartrate exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ]. Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed butorphanol tartrate. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. CONTRAINDICATIONS Butorphanol Tartrate Injection is contraindicated in: • Patients with significant respiratory depression [see WARNINGS ] • Patients with acute of severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see WARNINGS ] • Patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see WARNINGS ] • Patients with hy...

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.