Presentation
- 100 mcg in 2 mL glass ampoule
- 250 mcg in 1 mL glass ampoule or cartridge (IN use only)
Pharmacology
A synthetic opioid analgesic
Actions:
CNS effects:
- Depression – leading to analgesia
- Respiratory depression – leading to apnoea
- Dependence (addiction)
Cardiovascular effects:
- Decreases conduction velocity through the A-V node
Metabolism
By the liver; excreted by the kidneys
- Sedation to facilitate intubation (RSI – modified or Paediatric IFS)
- Sedation to maintain intubation
- Sedation to facilitate transthoracic pacing
- Sedation to facilitate synchronised cardioversion
- CPR interfering patient – ALS
- Analgesia – IV/IN
- History of hypersensitivity or allergy to morphine
- Known renal impairment / failure
- Short duration of action desirable
- Hypotension
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Severe headache
- History of hypersensitivity
- Late second stage of labour
Route of administration
- IV
- IV infusion
- IN
- SC
- Respiratory depression
- Apnoea
- Rigidity of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
- Bradycardia
Special Notes
Fentanyl is a Schedule 8 drug under the Poisons Act and its use must be carefully controlled with accountability and responsibility
Respiratory depression can be reversed with Naloxone
100 mcg Fentanyl is equivalent in analgesic activity to 10 mg Morphine
IV Effects
Onset: Immediate
Peak: < 5 minutes
Duration: 30 – 60 minutes
IN Effects
Peak: 2 minutes