ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/butorphanol
Butorphanol
Torbugesic, Torbutrol
Drug Class
Routes
Indications
Mechanism of Action
Kappa-opioid receptor agonist and mu-opioid receptor antagonist. Provides visceral analgesia and sedation.
Side effects & warnings
Short duration of action (1-2 hours). Better for visceral than somatic pain. Ceiling effect on analgesia. May cause sedation and mild respiratory depression.
Species with Butorphanol dosing data (21 dose rules)
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cattle (Beef/Dairy) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Controlled Substance
Controlled substance
Evidence levels across 21 dose rules
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Backed by 5 published sources
- · Carpenter 6e
- · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
- · ExoticRx 2026 (hedgehog dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Sample dosing (2 of 21 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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Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansOther formulations of Butorphanol
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More Analgesic drugs
Source citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.