Sufentanil (Injection)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 9, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Sufenta

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Analgesic

Chemical Class: Opioid

Uses for sufentanil

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

Sufentanil 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.

Sufentanil is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Before using sufentanil

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 sufentanil, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sufentanil 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 sufentanil injection in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of sufentanil injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, heart, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving sufentanil injection.

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 sufentanil, 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 and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using sufentanil with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Nalmefene
• Naltrexone
• Safinamide
• Samidorphan

Using sufentanil with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in so..