ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of Butorphanol. Butorphanol is a synthetically derived opiate agonist/antagonist analgesic. Butorphanol is rapidly absorbed following intramuscular injection and obtains peak blood levels within 20 to 40 minutes. The analgesic action of butorphanol is influenced by its method of administration. The discontinuation of long-term injectable butorphanol use has been associated with a mild withdrawal syndrome. The Adverse Drug Reactions associated with butorphanol pharmacotherapy, either injectable or nasal spray, are similar to those commonly associated with other mixed opiate agonist/antagonist analgesics. Suspected or actual butorphanol overdosage requires emergency symptomatic medical support of body systems with attention to increasing butorphanol elimination. Repeated dosing with naloxone is usually required because the duration of butorphanol action exceeds that of naloxone.
