Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Butorphanol?
Butorphanol is an opioid pain medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also used as part of anesthesia for surgery, or during early labor (if childbirth is expected to be more than 4 hours away).
Butorphanol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use butorphanol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- severe asthma or breathing problems; or
- a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- liver or kidney disease;
- a head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
- heart disease, high blood pressure, recent heart attack; or
- alcoholism or drug addiction.
If you use opioid medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on opioids may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Butorphanol is sometimes used during early labor, but using it just before childbirth can cause breathing problems in a newborn.
Ask a doctor before using opioid medicine if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.
How should I use Butorphanol
Use Butorphanol (Injection)(Injectable) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use butorphanol in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Butorphanol is injected into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away opioid medicine is against the law.
Do not stop using butorphanol suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store butorphanol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not keep leftover opioid medication. Just one dose can cause death in someone using this medicine accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, flush the unused medicine down the toilet.
Since butorphanol is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Butorphanol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops;
- a slow heart rate or weak pulse;
- fast or pounding heartbeats;
- problems with urination;
- confusion, feeling like you are floating;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
- high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and those who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.
Common side effects include:
- nausea, vomiting;
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- dry mouth; or
- warmth or redness under the skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Butorphanol?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.