Butorphanol (Into the nose)

How to Use This Medicine

Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.
• Blow your nose gently to clear the nostrils.
• Take the cap off of the bottle and remove the clip from the neck of the pump.
• If you are using the medicine for the first time, you will need to prime the spray pump.
• To do this, hold the spray bottle with your thumb on the bottom of the bottle and your index and middle fingers on the 2 flaps on the side of the pump.
• Push down with your index and middle fingers. Keep pumping until you see the medicine spray from the bottle.
• Put the tip of the spray pump into your nostril.
• Close the other nostril with your finger and lean your head slightly forward.
• Sniff gently and push down on the 2 flaps to spray the medicine into your nose. Keep your mouth closed as you are breathing in.
• Take the spray pump out of your nostril and tilt your head back. Sniff a few more times.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the spray as soon as you remember that you missed a dose.
• If it is almost time for your next usual dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking cimetidine (Tagamet®, erythromycin, theophylline, other nasal sprays (such as Afrin® or Dristan®), or any drug that could make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, muscle relaxants, or narcotic pain killers.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Introduction

Butorphanol (bue-TOR-fa-nol)

Treats pain.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine at room temperature away from heat. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• When the medicine is gone, rinse the used pump and bottle with water. Throw the parts away where children cannot get to them.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Check with your doctor before taking butorphanol if you have asthma, liver, kidney, or heart disease; a history of drug abuse; any lung problems.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful if you are driving a car or using machinery.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. You should not use more of it than your doctor ordered.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Trouble urinating
• Seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nasal congestion
• Constipation
• Trouble sleeping
• Ringing in the ears
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Blurred vision

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088