Fentanyl

- 0.1mg/2ml and 0.5mg/10ml vials (IV, IM)

- 0.1, 0.2mg (oral transmucosal)

- 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2mg/dose (nasal spray)

- 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4mg tablets (sublingual)

Executive Summary

(October 18, 2023)

Executive Summary

Fentanyl is a potent opioid pain medication that is extensively used in the ED to manage severe acute pain and as premedication to intubation preparation. It is primarily administered intravenously (IV)(3).

Adult dose for moderate to severe pain: (7, 21)

1 mcg/kg/dose (usually 50-100 mcg) IV. 

*TTPE: time to peak effect.

Adult dose

Pediatric dose

Comments:


Indications

*Comment: no form of fentanyl is US-FDA approved for use in neonates, infants, or children < 2 years of age.

Cautions

Summary of adverse effects:

As an opioid, fentanyl is inherently associated with critical adverse effects that have an increased risk of frequency and severity in the emergency department setting.


Description of adverse effects:

About rigid chest (RC) or Wooden Chest Syndrome

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy risk classification


Lactation 

References

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