ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/nalbuphine
US brand names:Nubain
Nalbuphine is dosed at 12.5 mg/kg IM q2-3h in amazon parrots, per 470. Keller D, Sanchez-Migallon Guzman D, Kukanich B, et al. Pharmacokinetics of nalbuphine hydrochloride after intravenous and intramuscular administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Am J Vet Res. 2011;72:741-745. | 823. Sanchez-Migallon Guzman D, Kukanich B, Keuler NS, et al. Antinociceptive effects of nalbuphine hydrochloride in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Am J Vet Res. 2011;72:736-740. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.454 doi:10.2460/ajvr.72.6.741 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic/Sedative/Analgesic Agents Used in Birds.a,b). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Kappa opioid receptor agonist and mu opioid receptor antagonist. Provides moderate analgesia with ceiling effect on respiratory depression. Does not increase biliary pressure.
Not a controlled substance despite opioid activity. Ceiling analgesic effect. Will reverse mu-agonist analgesia if given concurrently. Used for moderate pain and to partially reverse mu-agonist side effects.
Species references:All Amazon Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Mouse drugs
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A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 6 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.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.5–1 mg/kg | As needed - no dosing interval published | Moderate | KuKanich B, Wiese AJ. Chapter 11: Opioids. In: Grimm KA, Lamont LA, Tranquilli WJ, Greene SA, Robertson SA, eds. Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, The Fifth Edition of Lumb and Jones. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2015:207-226. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.951 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.923, Nalbuphine monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | q3-4h | Weak | KuKanich B, Wiese AJ. Chapter 11: Opioids. In: Grimm KA, Lamont LA, Tranquilli WJ, Greene SA, Robertson SA, eds. Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, The Fifth Edition of Lumb and Jones. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2015:207-226. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.951 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.923, Nalbuphine monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, |
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