Opioid Agonists / Antagonists

Question 1

Butorphanol (Stadol)

Answer 1

• Agonist at the kappa receptor and weak antagonist at the mu receptor.
• Potent analgesic
• Respiratory depression exhibits a 
ceiling effect
• Can be used to treat post-op shivering (kappa) 


Question 2

Nalbuphine (Nubain)

Answer 2

• Related to naloxone
• Equal in analgesic potency to morphine
• Less potent antagonists than naloxone
• Respiratory depression exhibits a ceiling effect
• If you give as a primary analgesic, consider your options for rescue or further treatment of pain.