Why would Stadol (butorphanol tartrate) not be given if Susan is within one hour of delivery?

• A. It could cause respiratory depression in the neonate at birth
• B. It would not be advisable because it could cause respiratory depression in the neonate
• C. It would cause maternal tachycardia
• D. It would delay labor

Answer: (A)

Stadol is an opioid analgesic that crosses the placenta, so giving it within close proximity to birth can depress the newborn’s respiratory drive at the moment of delivery. When the baby transitions from intrauterine to extrauterine life, any opioid exposure can blunt its breathing after birth, leading to neonatal respiratory depression, poor respiratory effort, and associated complications. That neonatal risk is the primary reason not to administer Stadol within an hour of delivery.

Other concerns like maternal tachycardia or delaying labor are not the main issues tied to giving this drug near delivery, and the central safety concern here is the infant’s respiratory status at birth.