For intramuscular or intravenous use.
DOG: Post-operative analgesia, potentiation of the sedation
CAT: Post-operative analgesia
10 - 20 micrograms per kg (0.3 - 0.6 ml per 10 kg)
For further pain relief the dose may be repeated if necessary:
DOG: either after 3 ‑ 4 hours with 10 µg/kg or after 5 ‑ 6 hours with 20 µg/kg.
CAT: Once, after 1 - 2 hours with 10 - 20 µg/kg.
While sedative effects are present by 15 minutes after administration, analgesic activity becomes apparent after approximately 30 minutes. To ensure that analgesia is present during surgery and immediately on recovery, the product should be administered preoperatively as part of premedication.
When administered for potentiation of sedation or as part of premedication, the dose of other centrally-acting agents, such as acepromazine or medetomidine, should be reduced. The reduction will depend on the degree of sedation required, the individual animal, the type of other agents included in premedication and how anaesthesia is to be induced and maintained. It may also be possible to reduce the amount of inhalational anaesthetic used.
Animals administered opioids possessing sedative and analgesic properties may show variable responses. Therefore, the response of individual animals should be monitored and subsequent doses should be adjusted accordingly. In some cases, repeat doses may fail to provide additional analgesia. In these cases, consideration should be given to using a suitable injectable NSAID.
An appropriately graduated syringe must be used to allow accurate dosing. The rubber stopper can be punctured a maximum of 25 times.