Cat & Dog - Buprenorphine

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Buprenorphine is an opioid analgesic used to relieve pain in your pet after a surgical operation. It is also used for sedation. Your veterinary surgeon will administer the drug by injection for pain control.

Your pet should be kept in a warm calm environment after the operation.

Potential side effects

  • Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
  • Your pet may show signs of sedation or vomiting. The animal's breathing may be slower than usual. If these symptoms appear excessive or persist, contact your veterinary surgeon.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

  • Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
  • Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. The risk of serious drug interactions is low and should be kept in perspective.
  • Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Jun 24, 2008.

Brunswick Place Veterinary Clinic

Brunswick Place Veterinary Clinic is a trading name of CVS (UK) Limited; a company which owns over 500 veterinary practices and is registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 03777473. Registered office: CVS House, Owen Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4ER.

Location Hours
Monday8:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday8:00am – 7:00pm
Wednesday8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday8:00am – 7:00pm
Friday8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday9:00am – 12:00pm
SundayClosed

*Consulting Times: 9am-6:50pm M-F
From 7pm for any out of hour emergency please contact our out of hours provider: Vets Now Winchester, SO24 9BH Telephone: 01962 807565

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