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Stadol Side Effects

Generic name: butorphanol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 24, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about butorphanol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Stadol.

Applies to butorphanol: injection solution. Other dosage forms:

Warning

Injection route (Solution)

Butorphanol tartrate has the potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk before prescribing, and monitor for development of these behaviors or conditions. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor closely, especially upon initiation or following a dose increase. Prolonged use of butorphanol tartrate during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available. Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for patients with inadequate alternative treatment options. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required and follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Serious side effects of Stadol

Along with its needed effects, butorphanol (the active ingredient contained in Stadol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking butorphanol:

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking butorphanol:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Stadol

Some side effects of butorphanol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to butorphanol: injectable solution, nasal spray.

General

The most commonly reported adverse events have included somnolence, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Nasal congestion has been reported with use of the nasal spray.[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Nasal congestion (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Epistaxis, nasal congestion, nasal irritation, rhinitis, sinus congestion, sinusitis, nose pain, cough, dyspnea

Frequency not reported: Shallow breathing[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in butorphanol nasal spray.

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, anorexia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (49%), dizziness (23%)

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, lethargy, confusion, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, tremor, unpleasant taste

Postmarketing reports: Serotonin syndrome[Ref]

Concomitant use of opioids and serotonergic drugs have been associated with reports of serotonin syndrome.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Abnormal dreams, agitation, dysphoria, hallucinations, hostility, withdrawal symptoms, and depression have been reported in less than 1% of patients.

Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, euphoria, nervousness

Frequency not reported: Abnormal dreams, agitation, dysphoria, hallucinations, hostility, withdrawal symptoms, depression

Cardiovascular

Syncope, chest pain, tachycardia, and edema have been reported in less than 1% of patients.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, hypotension, vasodilation, palpitations

Frequency not reported: Syncope, edema, chest pain, tachycardia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rash/hives have been reported in less than 1% of patients.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, pruritus

Frequency not reported: Rash/hives[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, sensation of heat, pain, ear pain, tinnitus[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Impaired urination

Endocrine

Postmarketing reports: Adrenal insufficiency, androgen deficiency

Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use; Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids.

References

1. Product Information. Stadol (butorphanol nasal). Bristol-Myers Squibb. 2001;PROD.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.