Fentanyl

Generic Name:	Fentanyl
Trade Name:	Sublimaze
Action:	Opiate analgesic
Indications:	Analgesia and Sedation
Administration Guidelines:
Usual Dosage Range and Route:	LOADING DOSE:* 50- 100 mcg IVP given slowly over 1 - 2 minutes. LOADING DOSE IS USUALLY GIVEN PRIOR TO STARTING MAINTENANCE USUAL MAINTENANCE DOSE: 50 - 200 mcg/ hour TITRATED TO PATIENT'S RESPONSE
Standard Concentrations:	1000 mcg / 250 ml 2000 mcg / 250 ml MICROINFUSION: 2500mcg/50ml (50mcg/ml)
Special Considerations:	- For sedation purposes, fentanyl must be administered in the presence of a physician trained in airway management - Drug tolerance may result in need for frequent evaluation of patient response - Rapid injection will result in increased incidence of side effects up to and including respiratory arrest - For patients maintained on fentanyl for analgesia, monitoring of untoward respiratory effects should be observed during dose titration. Consideration of an alternative agent should be explored as other medications provide superior analgesia.
Precautions and Side Effects:	- When used as an analgesic, fentanyl should not be abruptly withdrawn and alternative agents should be considered for pain management. - Chest wall rigidity, bronchospasm - Respiratory depression - Bradycardia / Tachycardia - Hypotension - CNS Depression - Paralytic Ileus - Hallucinations