Buprex for cats is one of the medications that our veterinarian can prescribe as painkiller And that is the most important thing we must keep in mind bill. Only this professional has the capacity to prescribe it. We should never give Buprex to a cat without your prescription.
In this article on our site, we are going to explain what Buprex for cats is for, how it is used, what its contraindications are and what adverse side effects it can cause in the cat.
What is Buprex for cats?
Buprex is a commercial form of buprenorphine, which is a opiate derivative of morphine that acts rapidly on opioid receptors of the central nervous system. This substance can be used in both human and veterinary medicine, but it is always more recommended that we resort to Buprex for cats, since it is the drug formulated specifically for this animal, making it just as effective and safer.
We find it in different presentations and perhaps the most common is the injectable solution by intramuscular or intravenous route. It is a clear liquid that can be injected through these lines. In this case, the effects start after approximately 15 minutes, but will become noticeable around half an hour. The maximum effect does not arrive until an hour or an hour and a half. It is metabolized in the liver.
What is Buprex for cats used for?
Buprex is therefore a potent and long-acting pain reliever. Thanks to this, it can be prescribed in various clinical situations, such as the following:
- Postoperative analgesia: one of its uses is postoperative analgesia, that is, it is given to cats that have undergone some intervention surgery to avoid the inconvenience that arises after these.
- Preoperative analgesia: it can also be part of the drugs administered before the operation, which sedate the animal and prepare it for anesthesia general.
- Chronic pain: In addition, Buprex can be used for cats experiencing chronic pain, although it is in the second line of action in these cases, with a synergistic effect with drugs known as NSAIDs. This means that its action can be enhanced by giving it in combination.
- Acute infections: Buprex can also be given to cats with a poor prognosis due to acute infectious processes when other analgesics are not recommended due to their side effects.
If your cat is strange and you think he may be sick, in addition to consulting this article on How to know if my cat is sick?, we recommend you go to the vet.
Dosage of Buprex for cats
To determine the dose of Buprex that our cat needs, we must take into account the route of administration, its condition and the reason for the prescription. Therefore, we insist, only the veterinarian can prescribe a treatment with Buprex.
The recommended dose based on efficacy and safety, as well as the cat's weight, ranges from a range of amounts. For example, when Buprex is administered intravenously to pass the postoperative period of an operation, the ideal dose is between 0.01 and 0.02 ml per kgMay be repeated after two hours. Buprex can also be administered via oral transmucosal absorption, which, in many cases, facilitates its use in cats.
If your cat has a hard time taking medicine, especially if Buroprex is in pill format, you can consult this other article on How to give medicine to a cat?
Contraindications of Buprex for cats
Buprex for cats is not recommended in the following cases:
- Caesarean: should not be used before surgery if the procedure is a caesarean section, as it may affect the breathing of the fetuses. Then you also have to use it with caution.
- Respiratory problems: due to the affectation of the respiratory system, in cats with breathing problems or that are consuming drugs that cause respiratory depression there are to assess its use, since it could aggravate respiratory compromise.
- Hepatic problems: precautions must also be taken in its administration in those specimens with liver problems. The fact that the cat has renal, hepatic or cardiac insufficiency or is in a state of shock can increase the risks of using the drug.
In addition, there are no studies on the safety of administering Buprex to kittens less than seven weeks of age or to pregnant or lactating cats. Therefore, only the veterinarian can decide its use based on the assessment of risk and benefits. The same thing happens in cats that have suffered a head injury. If the cat is undergoing any treatment, the veterinarian must be informed to avoid possible drug interactions. Of course, Buprex cannot be given to cats allergic to its active ingredient.
Side effects of Buprex for cats
Adverse effects of Buprex can manifest within minutes after administration and in cats include:
- Mydriasis, which is dilation of the pupil.
- Euphoria.
- Constant purr.
- Concern.
- Rubbing against people, animals or objects without stopping.
- Drowsiness.
- Respiratory depression.
- Sedation.
These symptoms usually resolve spontaneously in about 24 hours, without the need for us to do anything.
Now that you know more about Buprex for cats, you may also be interested in this other article on Natural anti-inflammatories for cats.