Butorphanol nasal spray is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It also is used to manage migraine headaches.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Butorphanol nasal spray comes in a pump. It usually is used as one spray in one nostril. If pain relief does not occur within 60-90 minutes, another single spray may be used. This two-dose sequence usually is repeated every 3-4 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Before you use butorphanol for the first time, read the written directions provided by the manufacturer. The pump must be primed (made ready to work) if it is not used for 48 hours or longer. One bottle provides approximately 8-10 doses (if priming is needed) or 14 or 15 doses (if no priming is needed between any doses).
To use the pump, follow these directions:
- Wash your hands.
- Gently blow your nose to clear your nasal passages.
- Remove the clear cover and protective clip from the bottle.
- With the nasal sprayer aimed away from all people and animals, prime the pump if needed. To prime the pump, pump the spray bottle firmly and quickly (up to eight strokes) until a fine spray appears.
- Insert the tip of the sprayer approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) into one nostril, pointing the tip toward the back of your nose.
- Close your other nostril with your finger and tilt your head slightly forward.
- Pump the spray firmly and quickly one time and sniff gently with your mouth closed.
- Remove the sprayer from your nose.
- Replace the protective clip and cover on the spray bottle.
Use butorphanol nasal spray exactly as directed. There is a small chance that the drug can be habit-forming. Do not use a larger dose, use it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.
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