Drug Factsheets

 Health Home >> Related Medications 

Apo-Butorphanol

(butorphanol)

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Butorphanol work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Butorphanol?
• What form(s) does Apo-Butorphanol come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Butorphanol?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Butorphanol?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Butorphanol?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Butorphanol?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Apo-Butorphanol work? What will it do for me?

Butorphonal belongs to the family of medications known as narcotic analgesics (pain-relievers). Butorphanol nasal spray works within 15 to 30 minutes.

This medication is used for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain. It works by affecting the pain centers of the central nervous system (the nerves that carry pain signals back and forth to the brain).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Apo-Butorphanol?

The dose depends on your response to the medication. The usual recommended adult dose for starting nasal therapy is one spray in one nostril (1 mg). A repeat dose may be allowed if there is inadequate pain relief within 60 to 90 minutes of the initial dose. This dosing sequence can be repeated every three to four hours as needed for pain relief. The dose may be increased as directed by your doctor, but doses of more than 16 mg daily are not normally recommended. The effectiveness of butorphanol for periods longer than three days has not been established.

For people who experience more severe pain, their doctor may prescribe an initial dose of one spray in each nostril. If this is the case, ensure there is a place for you to lie down as drowsiness or dizziness may occur. The next dose should not be used for three or four hours. Seniors and those with kidney or liver damage may require different dosing as prescribed by their doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. This medication has the potential to become habit forming.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Apo-Butorphanol come in?

Each mL of clear, colourless aqueous solution contains butorphanol tartrate 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzethonium chloride as a preservative, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, purified water and sodium hydroxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Apo-Butorphanol?

This medication should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to butorphanol or any ingredients of the medication
• is physically dependent on other narcotic medications

Continued... 1 | 2 | Next

Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.