Fentanyl

Question 1

Fentanyl: Class

Answer 1

Narcotic Analgesic

Question 2

Fentanyl: Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

• Alleviates pain through CNS actions
• Suppresses fear and anxiety centers in brain
• Depresses brain stem respiratory centers
• Increases peripheral venous capacitance and decreases venous return
• Decreases preload and afterload, decreasing myocardial oxygen demand.

-100mcg Fentanyl is approximately equivalent to that of 10mg Morphine.

Question 3

Fentanyl: Indications

Answer 3

-For analgesic action of short duration during the anesthetic periods, premedication, induction and maintenance, and in the immediate postoperative period (recovery room) as the need arises.
-For use as a narcotic analgesic supplement in general or regional anesthesia.
-For administration with a neuroleptic such as droperidol injection as an anesthetic
premedication, for the induction of anesthesia and as an adjunct in the maintenance of
general and regional anesthesia.
-For use as an anesthetic agent with oxygen in selected high risk patients, such as those
undergoing open heart surgery or certain complicated neurological or orthopedic procedures.

Question 4

Fentanyl: Adult Dose

Answer 4

• 1 mcg/kg. MAX 150 mcg. slow IV push, if no IV access give IM or nasally.
• Nasal administration may be permitted by the State Treatment Protocols in certain cases.

Question 5

Fentanyl: Pediatric Dose

Answer 5

• 1 mcg/kg. MAX 150 mcg. slow IV push, if no IV access give IM or nasally.
• The safety and efficacy of fentanyl citrate in pediatric patients under two years of age has not been established.