Drug Card for Fentanyl

• Generic Name: Fentanyl

• Trade Name(s): Sublimaze, Duragesic

Drug Classification: Opioid Analgesic

Description: Potent synthetic opioid analgesic used for pain management and anesthesia.

Mechanism of Action: Binds to opioid receptors, primarily the mu receptor, to inhibit pain signaling.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Variable (IV, transdermal)

• Distribution: Rapidly distributed; high volume of distribution

• Metabolism: Liver (CYP3A4 enzyme)

• Excretion: Urine

Indications/Field Use: Severe pain, anesthesia adjunct

Contraindications: Respiratory depression, opioid intolerance

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions: Respiratory depression, nausea, constipation

Dose:

• Adult: 50-100 mcg IV every 1-2 hours as needed

• Pediatric: Based on weight, typically 1-2 mcg/kg

Precautions: Risk of addiction, respiratory depression

Drug-Drug Interactions: CNS depressants, MAO inhibitors