Use of a transdermal matrix patch of buprenorphine in cats: preliminary pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data

Abstract

Six domestic shorthair cats, aged three to four years and weighing 5.1 to 7.4 kg, were used to assess the thermal antinociceptive effect of a transdermal buprenorphine patch, designed to supply 35 mug buprenorphine/hour, which was applied to the shaved thorax. The cats' thermal thresholds were tested before the patch was applied and two, four, six, eight, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours after it had been applied, and then every six hours until it was removed after 72 hours, and for a further 24 hours afterwards. Blood was collected at each time to measure the plasma concentration of buprenorphine. The patches did not produce a significant change in the thermal thresholds of the cats throughout the testing period. The mean (sd) peak plasma buprenorphine concentration was 10 (0.81) ng/ml.

Effects of subcutaneous methadone, morphine, buprenorphine or saline on thermal and pressure thresholds in cats

“…, 2003b, 2005b). In the present study, thermal threshold increased by only 3 °C after subcutaneous administration and it did not increase at all when a 35 μ g/h buprenorphine patch was used (Murrell et al. , 2006).…”

“…, 2002; Robertson et al. , 2003a,b; Lascelles & Robertson, 2004a,b; Murrell et al. , 2006; Wegner et al ., 2004; Robertson et al.…”

Effects of buprenorphine, carprofen and saline on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in cats

“…2003; Lascelles & Robertson 2004a,b; Wegner et al. 2004; Murrell et al. 2007), but additional stimuli are needed for comprehensive coverage which can be related more closely to clinical pain.…”

“…Buprenorphine, a partial mu (MOP) agonist has been previously studied in cats using the thermal device (Robertson et al. 2003a,b, 2005a,b; Murrell et al. 2007).…”

Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain

“…Transdermal patches (fentanyl, lidocaine and buprenorphine) are adhesive patches that are placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of drug through the skin and into the plasma. The patch provides a controlled release of the drug through a porous membrane with a drug reservoir . In cats, the analgesic effects of fentanyl patches can be highly variable due to the individual variability in its pharmacokinetics.…”