Remifentanil (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 10, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Ultiva

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Analgesic

Chemical Class: Opioid

Uses for remifentanil

Remifentanil injection is used to relieve pain during and after surgery or other medical procedures. It is also used with other medicines (eg, isoflurane, propofol, midazolam, thiopental) just before or during an operation to help the anesthetic work better.

Remifentanil belongs to the group of medicines known as narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It works by acting on the central nervous system (CNS) or brain to relieve pain.

Remifentanil is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Remifentanil is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using remifentanil

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For remifentanil, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to remifentanil or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of remifentanil injection when given with an anesthetic before or during an operation in children.

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of remifentanil injection for the relief of pain after surgery have not been performed in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of remifentanil injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of remifentanil injection than younger adults, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving remifentanil.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving remifentanil, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance ..