| 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 |