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[S-(R*,R*)]-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (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.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Butorphanol is a partial opioid agonist at the mu opioid receptor and a full agonist at the kappa opioid receptor. The principal therapeutic action of butorphanol is analgesia. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression. The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug. Pharmacodynamics The analgesic effect of butorphanol is influenced by the route of administration.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Butorphanol tartrate nasal spray is indicated 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, and misuse, with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see WARNINGS ] reserve butorphanol tartrate nasal spray for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g.
Common Doses
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Butorphanol tartrate nasal spray 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 ]. Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of butorphanol tartrate nasal spray for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the...
Black Box Warning
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE NASAL SPRAY Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of butorphanol tartrate nasal spray 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 ].
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Butorphanol tartrate nasal spray is contraindicated in: Patients with significant respiratory depression [see WARNINGS ] Patients with acute or 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 hypersensitivity to butorphanol tartrate, the preservative benzethonium chloride, or any of the formulation excipients (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see WARNINGS ])
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Trial Experience A total of 788 patients were studied in premarketing clinical trials of butorphanol tartrate nasal spray. 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-term and long-term clinical trials in patients receiving intranasal butorphanol, except acute studies in normal subjects.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.