Fentanyl Flashcards

1
Q

What is fentanyl?

A

Strong opioid

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2
Q

What is the mechanism of action of fentanyl?

A

Acts as an agonist for the opioid μ receptor

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3
Q

How does fentanyl compare to morphine?

A

Produces similar (but weaker) effects

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4
Q

What are the routes of delivery of fentanyl?

A
  • PO
  • IV
  • Topical (film, patch, spray)
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5
Q

Is fentanyl the only opioid that can be administered by patch?

A

No , buprenorphine patches exist

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6
Q

How often are buprenorphine patches changed?

A

Once a week

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7
Q

How often are fentanyl patches changed?

A

Every 72 hours

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8
Q

Are fentanyl preparations for breakthrough pain interchangeable?

A

No

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9
Q

What are the indications for fentanyl?

A
  • Severe chronic pain

- Breakthrough pain

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10
Q

What are the contraindications to fentanyl?

A

Same as morphine

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11
Q

Who should fentanyl be used with caution in?

A
  • Impaired consciousness
  • Cerebral tumours
  • Mucositis
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12
Q

Why should fentanyl be used with caution in impaired consciousness or cerebral tumours?

A

Can worsen CNS depression in these conditions

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13
Q

Why should fentanyl be used with caution with people with mucositis?

A

Oral absorption can be altered

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14
Q

What monitoring is required with fentanyl?

A

Monitor pain relief at least every 24 hours after altering dose, to allow analgesic effect to occur

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15
Q

What might interact with fentanyl?

A

Triazole anti-fungals

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16
Q

What might happen if fentanyl is given with triazole anti-fungals?

A

Increased plasma concentration of fentanyl

17
Q

What are the common side effects of fentanyl?

A
  • Application site reactions
  • Abdo pain, nausea, GORD, and appetite changes
  • Dyspnoea and respiratory depression
  • Drowsiness
  • Hypertension
18
Q

What are the uncommon side effects of fentanyl?

A
  • Amnesia
  • Arthralgia
  • Ileus
19
Q

What are the rare side effects of fentanyl?

A

Hiccups

20
Q

What side effects can IV fentanyl cause?

A

Muscle rigidity

21
Q

How can muscle rigidity caused by IV fentanyl be managed?

A

Neuromuscular relaxants

22
Q

What should patients with fentanyl patches avoid doing?

A

Exposing patch to external heat, e.g. saunas, hot baths

23
Q

What patient counselling is required with fentanyl?

A
  • How to apply patches

- Drowsiness and impairment of normal activities

24
Q

How should fentanyl patches be applied?

A

To dry, hairless areas of skin, and then removed and changes after 72 hours