Veterinary clinical reference · Zorbium.com · FDA NADA 141-547 · Schedule III / CIII
Zorbium® Clinical Reference
Download Printable Zorbium® Vet Handout PDFBuprenorphine transdermal solution · For use in cats only · Applied to the dorsal cervical area.
Prepared as an independent reference based on FDA labeling/FOI materials, FDA DailyMed, Elanco materials, peer-reviewed literature, and post-market adverse event analysis at zorbium.com. Not a substitute for veterinary clinical judgment or the full prescribing information.
Drug identification
- Zorbium® — buprenorphine transdermal solution
- NADA: 141-547
- Controlled substance: Schedule III / CIII
- Approved species: Cats only
- Approved use: Control of postoperative pain associated with surgical procedures in cats
Absorption mechanism — label versus marketing detail
1
Volatile liquid applied to dorsal cervical area.
2
Elanco materials describe movement down hair shafts.
3
Depot effect is described in relation to follicular/skin structures.
4
Sustained systemic delivery occurs over days.
Note: FDA DailyMed states sequestration into the stratum corneum. Elanco marketing diagrams have described follicular delivery below the stratum corneum. These descriptions should not be treated as interchangeable without further clarification.
Drying time — manufacturer claim versus published research
Manufacturer statement
30-minute drying time before contact with application site.
Published research observation
Visible oiliness at 30 minutes, with apparent drying closer to the 24-hour time point.
The same study noted that oral consumption via grooming was not entirely restricted or assessed. In cats, grooming and contact with other animals may represent an uncontrolled exposure variable.
Signs requiring immediate veterinary evaluation
- Extreme sedation or unresponsiveness
- Slow or labored breathing
- Blue or pale gums / mucous membranes
- Pinpoint pupils
- Seizures or muscle tremors
- Inability to walk or stand
- Hypothermia — cold to touch
- Persistent vomiting
- Anorexia beyond 24 hours
- Any sudden behavioral change
Duration — critical discrepancy
- Elanco label: 96 hours / 4 days
- 72 hours may be communicated to clients, but this is shorter than the labeled duration
- FDA label terminal half-life mean: 64.9 hours; range 39.1–85.7 hours
- Recommend client monitoring for at least 5 days post-application
Adverse event reporting
- FDA Vet Med: 1-888-FDA-8387.
- Elanco Companion Animal Product Support: 1-888-545-5973
- Document onset time, clinical signs, coat color, concurrent medications, age, body weight, and outcome
- Post-market adverse event data is independently analyzed at zorbium.com
Application & handling
- Dorsal cervical area only — absorption differs at other sites per label
- Do not clip fur — Elanco states this may disrupt absorption
- Manufacturer states 30-minute drying time; published research suggests longer visible residue/oiliness
- Impermeable gloves and eye protection required for application
- Controlled substance handling protocols apply
- Prevent grooming of treated area by the patient or other animals
Naloxone considerations
- Per FDA labeling, naloxone may not be effective in reversing buprenorphine-related respiratory depression
- Onset of any naloxone effect may be delayed 30 minutes or more
- Doxapram hydrochloride is cited in the label as a respiratory stimulant option
- Clients should be instructed to call the administering clinic or emergency veterinary hospital first
Contraindications / label exclusions
- Cats under 4 months of age
- Cats under 2.6 lb or over 16.5 lb
- Renal, hepatic, cardiac, or respiratory disease
- Pregnant, lactating, or breeding cats
- Known hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or inactive ingredients
- Diseased or injured skin at the application site