Drug Cards

Fentanyl Citrate

Sublimaze
Class:
Narcotic Analgesic
Mechanism of Action:
A dose of 100 mcg (0.1mg) (2 mL) is approximately equivalent in analgesic activity to 10 mg of morphine.
Indications: IV:
  • Analgesic action of short duration during the anasthetic periods
  • RSI premedication, induction and maintenance
  • Narcotic analgesic supplement in general or regional anesthesia.
Contraindications:
Patients with known intolerance to the drug.
Adverse reactions:
  • Most common serious adverse reactions: respiratory depression, apnea, rigidity and bradycardia; if these remain untreated, respiratory arrest, circulation depression and cardiac arrest could occur.
  • Other adverse reactions: hypertension, hypotension, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, emesis, laryngospasm, chest wall rigidity and diaphoresis.
  • Secondary rebound respiratory depression may occasionally occur. Patients should be monitored for this possibility and appropriate countermeasures taken as necessary.
Adult Dosage and Administration
1 mcg/kg. to max 150 mcg. slow IV push.
Nasal administration may be permitted by the State Treatment Protocols in certain cases.
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:
The safety and efficacy of fentanyl citrate in pediatric patients under two years of age has not been established.
Duration of Action
  • Onset: Almost immediate when the drug is given intravenously; however the maximum analgesic and respiratory depressant effect may not be noted for several minutes.
  • Peak effect: Peak respiratory depressant effect: 5 to 15 minutes following a single IV dose.
  • Duration: Analgesic effects: usually 30 to 60 minutes after a single IV dose of up to 100 mcg.
Special Considerations:
Pregnancy safety: Category C