Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 16, 2022.
Fentanyl citrate injection is a Schedule II controlled substance with abuse liability similar to other opioid analgesics. Assess risk prior to initiation and monitor for signs of misuse, abuse, and addiction during treatment. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation or following a dose increase. Use with CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers may change fentanyl plasma levels resulting in a fatal overdose and monitoring is recommended. Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for patients with inadequate alternative treatment options, limit dosage and duration to the minimum required, and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Sublimaze
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Analgesic
Chemical Class: Opioid
Uses for fentanyl
Fentanyl injection is used to relieve severe pain during and after surgery. It is also used with other medicines just before or during an operation to help the anesthetic (numbing medicine) work better.
Fentanyl belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts in the central nervous system (CNS) or brain to relieve pain. Some of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS such as drowsiness or dizziness.
Fentanyl is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using fentanyl
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 fentanyl, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fentanyl or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservat..
