Accidentally gave my cat too much buprenorphine. Is it an overdose?

Question

Due to a mix up in labels by the pharmacy, I gave my cat 1 ml of buprenorphine instead of .15 - .2 ml. The buprenorphine is a .3 mg/ml suspension and my cat is 9 lbs. Is he in any danger of overdose. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

This represents a pretty substantial overdose. Corbett got about 2.5 times more than the highest published dose for pain relief. However, it's thought that buprenorphine has a high index of safety, and even large overdoses don't usually cause serious effects. I'm assuming you gave it on the gums ("transmucousally") as that's how it's typically prescribed for pain relief at home in cats. Because of that method of administration, there's no way to remove the drug from his system by inducing vomiting. There is a reversal agent that is somewhat effective, but may have to be given in multiple doses due to the way buprenorphine works. The drug is naloxone, and your veterinarian should have this drug. Because the signs of overdose can be concerning (vocalization, ataxia, hypersalivation, decreased body temperature, and lethargy) my best recommendation would be for you to take Corbett back to your veterinarian for administration of this drug, so that the overdosage can be averted.

Accidentally gave my cat too much buprenorphine. Is it an overdose?

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