Fentanyl

 

Fentanyl (also known as fentanil, brand names Sublimaze,^[3] Actiq, Durogesic, Duragesic, Fentora, Matrifen, Haldid, Onsolis,^[4] Instanyl,^[5] Abstral,^[6] Lazanda^[7] and others^[8]) is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic with a rapid onset and short duration of action.^[9] It is a strong agonist at the μ-opioid receptors. Historically, it has been used to treat breakthrough pain and is commonly used in pre-procedures as a pain reliever as well as an anesthetic in combination with a benzodiazepine.

Dosage and routes

• Adult: IV 0.05-0.1 mq q 2-3min pm

Preoperatively

• Adult: IM 0.05-0.1 mg ql-2h prn
• Child IM 0.02- 0.03mg /9kg

Available forms: Inj 0.05 mg/ ml

Side Effects

Fentanyl's most common side-effects (more than 10% of patients) include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, somnolence, confusion, asthenia (weakness), and sweating and, less frequently (3 to 10% of patients), abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, anorexia and weight loss, dizziness, nervousness, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, flu-like symptoms, dyspepsia (indigestion), dyspnea (shortness of breath), hypoventilation, apnea, and urinary retention. Fentanyl use has also been associated with aphasia.