11.d.ii • Fentanyl
Drug notes
Fentanyl infusion
Short acting opioid analgesic working at μ opioid receptors

Use
Indications
• As an infusion for analgesia in ventilated patients only


Cautions
• Frail / elderly (hypotension)
• Hypovolaemia (hypotension)
• Hepatic or renal impairment (prolonged action)
Dose
• Adults: 3mcg/kg/hr (0–6ml/hr)
• Children: 3mcg/kg/hr
Special groups
• Safe in pregnancy
• Reduced dose recommended in elderly or debilitated patients
Side effects
• Hypotension
• Apnoea
Presentation: 10ml glass vials
10ml glass vials
50mcg per ml
Administration
Only given as an infusion (neat, no dilution) using an infusion pump.
If no loading dose has been given, consider giving 1mcg/kg bolus followed by infusion.
Onset of action: 5 minutes.
Duration of action: 30 minutes


Storage and stock
 

Drug information
A controlled drug
Can be kept at room temperature

Further information
BNF: section 4.7.2