Fentanyl is a drug to relieve painfulwhich severe, such as from cancer or surgery.This drug can also be used as an anesthetic or as an adjunct to Upgradeeffect dope during operation.
Fentanyl is an opioid painkiller that works by blocking pain signals from nerve cells that go to the brain. This drug is available in the form of injections and transdermal patch which is shaped like a plaster or patch. Fentanyl should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Fentanyl trademark: Durogesic, Etanyl, Fentanyl, Fentanyl Citrate
What is Fentanyl
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Analgesics and anesthetics |
| Benefit | Relieves severe pain, becomes an additional drug used during anesthesia or anesthesia procedures |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Fentanyl for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Fentanyl can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Inject and transdermal patch |
Precautions Before Using Fentanyl
Fentanyl should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Note the following points before using fentanyl:
- Tell your doctor about your history of allergies. Fentanyl should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, seizures, epilepsy, arrhythmias, adrenal gland disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, low blood pressure, mental disorders, or an enlarged prostate.
- Tell your doctor if you are or have ever had sleep apnea, head injury, alcoholism, urinary disorders, pancreatitis, thyroid disease, drug abuse, or gallbladder disorders.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking fentanyl before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages and juices grapefruit during treatment with fentanyl, because it can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking fentanyl, as this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using fentanyl.
Dosage and Use of Fentanyl
The following are general doses of fentanyl based on the form of the drug, the condition, and the age of the patient:
Drug form: Injections and infusions
Condition: As a premedication before surgical procedures
- Mature: 50–100 mcg, given by injection into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or a vein (intravenous/IV) 30–60 minutes before surgery.
Condition: As an adjunct to general anesthesia during major surgery (major surgery)
- Mature: The initial dose is 1–2 mcg/kg per hour. Maintenance dose 2–20 mcg/kgBW/dose by IV injection.
- Children >2 years old: 2-3 mcg/kgBW via IV or IM injection every 1-2 hours as needed.
Condition: As an adjunct to general anesthesia during minor surgery (minor surgery)
- Mature: 0.5–2 mcg/kgBW/dose via IV injection.
Drug form: Transdermal patch
Condition: Chronic pain conditions in patients who are not resistant to opioids
- Children >2 years old and adults: 25–100 mcg/hour, given every 72 hours.
How to Use Fentanyl Correctly
Always follow your doctor's advice while on treatment with fentanyl. Injectable fentanyl will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The injection can be given into a muscle (IM), a vein (IV), or put into an IV infusion.
Fentanyl form transdermal patch should not be used on skin that is injured or irritated. Use patches on a flat, dry area of skin, such as the chest, back, or upper arms for good adhesion. If necessary, cut hair in the area of the skin that will be attached with the drug.
Paste and press transdermal patch for 30 seconds, so that the drug adheres properly. Release the medication after 72 hours or as directed by your doctor. Make sure to take off patches the old one first, then stick patches new ones in different areas. Don't use more than one patches at the same time.
Transdermal patch perforated fentanyl can increase the speed of absorption of the drug into the skin. Therefore, do not use patches the damaged one.
After using the medicine, do not wash your hands with soap or other cleansers. Just wash your hands with running water.
Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first. This drug can cause dependence or overdose if used in excess.
If you forget to use fentanyl form transdermal patch, paste immediately patches it's so memorable. Don't use patches extra to make up for a forgotten dose.
save transdermal patch fentanyl in the package in a cool and dry place. Keep the medicine out of direct sunlight and reach of children.
Fentanyl Interactions with Other Drugs
Some of the following drug interactions may occur if fentanyl is used together with certain drugs:
- Increased blood levels of fentanyl and risk of side effects when used with erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, or amiodarone
- Increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome if used with antidepressant drugs
- Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as seizures, coma, and even death if used with other opioid drugs, such as morphine or tramadol
- Decreased blood levels of fentanyl when used with phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, ammonium chloride, or rifampicin
- Increased risk of hypotension when used with phenothiazines
In addition, interaction effects can also occur if you use fentanyl while consuming certain foods or drinks, for example:
- Increased risk of fatal side effects when used with alcohol
- Increased blood levels of fentanyl when used with juice grapefruit
- Decreased blood levels of fentanyl when used with St. John's Wort
Fentanyl Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur due to the use of fentanyl are:
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Body feels weak
- Headache, dizziness, or vertigo
- The skin that is injected or put on the drug feels itchy or irritated
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve or are getting worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or serious side effects, such as:
- Heavy dizziness
- Hard to breathe
- Restless and sleepless
- Irritability or hallucinations
- No appetite
- Heart palpitations or fast heart rate
- Diarrhea or stomach cramps
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Loss of consciousness, seizures, fainting