butorphanol

[ byoo-tawr-fuh-nawl, -nol ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a narcotic analgesic, C 21 H 29 NO 2 , administered by injection to treat moderate to severe pain.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butorphanol¹

As contraction of the chemical name 17-(cyclobutylmethyl)morphinan-3,14-diol

Example Sentences

After further review, the committee in 2003 raised additional concerns: “larger numbers of case reports of abuse, dependence and withdrawal syndrome for tramadol than for any other analgesic” aside from butorphanol, a potent and tightly controlled painkiller.

From Wall Street Journal

Also on the list: butorphanol nasal spray, and the combination medications sumatriptan/naproxen and acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine.

From US News

While powerful opioid pain drugs such as butorphanol, codeine/acetaminophen and tramadol/acetaminophen are likely effective migraine treatments, they are not recommended for regular use, the researchers said.

From US News

In October 2011, the three-member racing board cited infractions including syringes containing a painkiller and a sedative found in Dutrow’s desk, and the painkiller butorphanol — an opioid analgesic — found in the urine of his horse Fastus Cactus in 2010 after it won at Aqueduct Racetrack.

From New York Times

A blood test of Fastus Cactus didn’t show any butorphanol, and Dutrow’s expert witness theorized that the urine test might have been contaminated.

From New York Times