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 who has 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 is butorphanol?
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. It is also used as part of anesthesia
for surgery, or during early labor (if childbirth is expected to be more than 4 hours away).
Butorphanol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using butorphanol?
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 who has 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
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 is sometimes used during early labor, but using it just before childbirth can
cause breathing problems in a newborn.
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.
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