Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Feed
Overview

Fentanyl

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid medication. It is used in combination with anesthesia to prevent post-surgery pain or other medical procedures that may prove to be painful.

On using Fentanyl you may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, respiratory issues, fever and diaphoresis. If the allergic reactions persist or become worse over time contact your health care provider right away.

Do not use Fentanyl if you have/are :

  • Allergic to any of the ingredients contained in it,
  • Already taking any other prescription or non-prescription drugs,
  • Just had a surgery,
  • Liver/ Kidney/ Lung/ Mental/ Mood problems,
  • Breathing problems,
  • Allergic to any foods, substances or medicines,
  • Pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding a baby,
  • Alcohol withdrawal syndrome,
  • Low blood pressure,
  • Overweight at present.

The dosage for Fentanyl should ideally be prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose in adults is about 100 mcg for the tablet and spray which needs to be taken sublingually. The dose for the transmucosal lozenge is about 200 mcg.

While using this medication, do not use alcohol and other prescription or OTC medications (especially sedatives, tranquilizers, antihistamines, or pain medications) without consulting prescriber.

Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake). Use caution when driving, climbing stairs, or changing position - rising from sitting or lying to standing, or when engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known.

Treatment of an overdose includes support of the patient's airway, establishment of an I.V. line, and administration of naloxone 2 mg I.V. (0.01 mg/kg for children) with repeat administration as necessary up to a total of 10 mg.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Fentanyl

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Fentanyl ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    • Increased Intracranial Pressure

    • Respiratory Depression

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Fentanyl ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Fentanyl

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Additive CNS effects, avoid or limit alcohol; watch for sedation. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Fentanyl may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery due to blurred vision which might be caused after taking it. Kindly avoid driving as it requires consciousness.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution should be used in patients with renal impairment. Dosing adjustment in renal impairment:

      • Clcr 10-50 mL/minute: Administer at 75% of normal dose.
      • Clcr <10 mL/minute: Administer at 50% of normal dose.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of Fentanyl, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Fentanyl

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Fentanyl as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as an opioid that makes it useful in chronic pain management. It works by binding itself to mu-receptor in the central nervous system that results in low intracellular cAMP and reduction in the release of neurotransmitters.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Fentanyl ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Medicine

        CYP3A3/4 enzyme substrate.
      • Interaction with Disease

        • Fentanyl shares the toxic potentials of opiate agonists, and precautions of opiate agonist therapy should be observed; use with caution in patients with bradycardia; rapid I.V. infusion may result in skeletal muscle and chest wall rigidity impaired ventilation respiratory distress apnea, bronchoconstriction, laryngospasm; inject slowly over 3-5 minutes; nondepolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant may be required. Tolerance of drug dependence may result from extended use.
        • Topical patches: Serum fentanyl concentrations may increase approximately one-third for patients with a body temperature of 40°C secondary to a temperature-dependent increase in fentanyl release from the system and increased skin permeability. Patients who experience adverse reactions should be monitored for at least 12 hours after removal of the patch.
        • The elderly may be particularly susceptible to the CNS depressant and constipating effects of narcotics.
      • Interaction with Food

        Glucose may cause hyperglycemia; monitor blood glucose concentrations.

      FAQs about Fentanyl

      • Ques : What is Fentanyl used for?

        Ans : Fentanyl is an opioid medication that is used in combination with anaesthesia to prevent post-surgery pain or other medical procedures that may prove to be painful.

      • Ques : Where is Fentanyl approved?

        Ans : Fentanyl is approved in India, Micronesia, Japan, and the USA.

      • Ques : What are the dietary specifications while taking Fentanyl?

        Ans : It is advised to avoid grapefruit products while taking Fentanyl.

      • Ques : How is Fentanyl administered?

        Ans : Fentanyl is administered intravenously or transdermally.

      • Ques : Does Fentanyl lead to drug dependency?

        Ans : Fentanyl should be used with caution as it may cause drug dependence, especially in prolonged usage of this medication.

      • Ques : Is Fentanyl safe for usage in pediatrics?

        Ans : Fentanyl is not recommended for children below the age of two as its safety and effectiveness are not known.

      • Ques : What are the storage instructions of Fentanyl?

        Ans : Fentanyl should be stored between 20°C to 25°C in its original container.

      References

      • Fentanyl-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 14 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/fentanyl

      • Fentanyl-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 14 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00813

      • FENTANYL injection,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 14 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=FENTANYL

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
      swan-banner
      Sponsored

      Popular Questions & Answers

      View All

      Severe and unbearable head ache one hour after ...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Ravindra Harne

      Pain Management Specialist

      Your problem is you can not take most of the analgesic drugs you can try transdermal patch of Fen...

      My sister is 63 age she is going under treatmen...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Nikhilesh Borkar

      Oncologist

      It is a trans dermal release of the medication which leads to systemic action as a strong pain ki...

      I am 65 years old. I am a diabetic type 2 with ...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Hardik Thakker

      Internal Medicine Specialist

      You can use a patch called as fentanyl patch which acts for 3 days. This is an opoid pain relieve...

      Hi, My wife 29 years is fighting stomach cancer...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Sandeep Roy

      Homeopath

      Apart from radiation, you can also think about high intensity focused ultrasound (hifu) for the l...

      Hey. Since last year I've been suffering from s...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Sushil Kumar S V

      Psychiatrist

      Age related memory loss As everyone gets older it becomes more difficult to remember things, espe...

      Table of content

      Content Details
      Profile Image
      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
      Profile Image
      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
      chat_icon

      Ask a free question

      Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

      posted anonymously
      swan-banner