ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/buprenorphine
Buprenorphine
Simbadol, Buprenex
Drug Class
Routes
Indications
Mechanism of Action
Partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors with high receptor affinity. Provides analgesia with a ceiling effect on respiratory depression.
Side effects & warnings
OTM (oral transmucosal) absorption effective in cats. Ceiling effect limits maximum analgesia. Difficult to reverse with naloxone due to high receptor affinity.
Species with Buprenorphine dosing data (24 dose rules)
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Chinchilla drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Pet Rat drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Controlled Substance
Controlled substance
Evidence levels across 24 dose rules
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Backed by 8 published sources
- · Carpenter 6e
- · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
- · ExoticRx 2026 (chinchilla dosing guide); Doss & Mans, Vet Clin Exot Anim 2017
- · ExoticRx 2026 (ferret dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · ExoticRx 2026 (hedgehog dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · ExoticRx 2026 (rat dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · ExoticRx 2026 (rat dosing guide); Foley PL et al, JAALAS 2011
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Constant rate infusion (CRI)
Buprenorphine CRI dose rule from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.003–0.005 mg/kgper hour (CRI) | Intraoperative CRI analgesia | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
- Dog (Domestic)IV0.003–0.005 mg/kgper hour (CRI)
Intraoperative CRI analgesia
ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Sample dosing (2 of 24 cited rules)
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 11 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
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View PlansArticles mentioning Buprenorphine
- Reptile Dystocia (Egg-Binding): Medical and Surgical ManagementHow to distinguish obstructive from non-obstructive dystocia in lizards and snakes — and when oxytocin and calcium are appropriate vs when they are dangerous.
- Anesthesia in Exotic Companion Animals: A Practical OverviewInhalational and injectable anesthesia choices for rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, and reptiles — and what species-specific physiology should change in your protocol.
- Ball Python Drug Dosing: A Vet's ReferenceAntibiotic, antiparasitic, and supportive-care dosing for Python regius — and the snake-specific physiology that drives the choices.
- Guinea Pig Drug Dosing: A Vet Quick ReferenceAntibiotic, analgesic, and antifungal dosing for Cavia porcellus — and why they're not just small rabbits.
- African Grey Parrot Drug Dosing: A Vet ReferenceAntibiotic, antifungal, and supportive-care dosing for Psittacus erithacus — and the avian-specific physiology that should change your prescribing.
More Analgesic drugs
Source citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.