What is butorphanol (nasal)?
Butorphanol is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to morphine.
Butorphanol is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Butorphanol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking butorphanol (nasal)?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine.
You should not use butorphanol if you have recently used narcotic medications and have
become dependent on them.
Butorphanol may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Butorphanol should never be shared with another person, especially
someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
-
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
-
liver or kidney disease;
-
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
-
heart disease, high blood pressure, recent heart attack;
-
mental illness; or
-
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use butorphanol
or you may require a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Butorphanol passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use butorphanol
without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
How should I take butorphanol (nasal)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you.
Never use butorphanol in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Follow the
directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in
relieving your pain.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The usual dose of butorphanol nasal for pain is 1 spray into one nostril every 3 to 4 hours.
Your dose may be different. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
For best results, blow your nose before using the nasal spray.
Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Remove the
protective clip and pump 7 or 8 times into the air until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any
time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 48 hours.
Do not stop using butorphanol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
Store butorphanol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
After you are finished using this medication, remove the cap and rinse out the bottle under
running water. Throw away the bottle and cap where children or pets cannot get to them.
What happens if I miss a dose of butorphanol (nasal)?
Since butorphanol is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. If you are
using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about butorphanol (nasal)?
Your pharmacist has information about butorphanol (nasal) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of butorphanol (nasal)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
-
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision,
trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
-
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
-
cold, clammy skin;
-
problems with urination;
-
tremors, numbness or tingling;
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confusion, feeling like you are floating; or
-
feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects include:
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drowsiness, dizziness;
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nosebleed, stuffy nose, cough;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
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constipation;
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nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
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warmth or redness under the skin;
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dry mouth, unpleasant taste; or
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ringing in your ear.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about butorphanol (nasal)?
You should not use butorphanol if you have recently used narcotic medications and have
become dependent on them.
Butorphanol may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Butorphanol should never be given to another person, especially
someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using butorphanol. Dangerous side effects or death can
occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels
to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.
Butorphanol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Never use more than your prescribed dose of butorphanol. Tell your doctor if the medicine
seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Do not stop using butorphanol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.
What should I avoid while taking butorphanol (nasal)?
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medication. Dangerous side effects or death
can occur when alcohol is combined with butorphanol. Check your food and medicine labels to be
sure these products do not contain alcohol.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
If your prescribed dose is more than 1 spray at a time, you may have severe dizziness. Avoid
getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady
yourself to prevent a fall.
What other drugs will affect butorphanol (nasal)?
You should not use butorphanol with other narcotic pain medications, sedatives,
tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing.
Dangerous side effects may result. Tell your doctor if you need to use any of these other medicines
while you are using butorphanol.
There may be other drugs that can interact with butorphanol. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of butorphanol (nasal)?