Sufentanil - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Sufentanil is a drug used in general anesthetic procedures or to relieve postoperative pain. This medicine will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor at the hospital.

Sufentanil is an opioid painkiller that works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to nerve cells leading to the brain. That way the pain will be reduced.

Sufentanil trademark: Sufenta

What is Sufentanil

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryOpioid painkillers
BenefitAs part of a total anesthetic procedure and relieve postoperative pain
Used byAdults, children and seniors
 

Sufentanil 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.

Sufentanil may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Drug formInject

Precautions Before Using Sufentanil

Sufentanil will be given in the hospital by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. There are several things to consider before using sufentanil, namely:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Sufentanil should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
  • Tell your doctor if you have ever overdosed on opioid drugs, have severe acute respiratory distress, are addicted to alcohol, drug abuse, or alcohol poisoning
  • Tell your doctor if you have decreased adrenal gland function, increased intracranial pressure, neurological disease, kidney disease, benign enlargement of the prostate gland, intestinal obstruction, ileus, liver disease, heart disease, seizures, sleep apnea, or slow heart rate.
  • 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.
  • Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking sufentanil, as this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an overdose, allergic reaction to a drug, or a more serious side effect after taking sufentanil.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Sufentanil

The doctor will give you a dose of sufentanil according to its intended use. Sufentanil will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous / IV). In general, the following is a breakdown of the injectable sufentanil dosage:

Purpose: To induce or initiate an intubation procedure

  • Mature: 1–2 mcg/kg by IV injection. If needed, a further dose of 10–59 mcg may be given by IV injection.

Purpose: As part of general anesthesia or general anesthesia

  • Mature: The dose is 8–30 mcg/kgBW by IV injection. If needed, a further dose of 25–30 mcg may be given by IV injection.
  • Children: The initial dose is 10–25 mcg/kgBW by IV injection. Maintenance dose 25–50 mcg by IV injection.

While the injection is being performed, a breathing apparatus with 100% oxygen must be installed.

Purpose: Relieves postoperative pain

  • Mature: Initial dose 30–60 mcg. The dose may be increased to 25 mcg given at least 1 hour after the initial dose.

For elderly patients, the dose of sufentanil will be started with the lowest dose, then the dose can be increased if needed.

How to Use Sufentanil Correctly

Sufentanil injection will be directly given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor, in a hospital.

During the injection, the patient's general condition, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level of the patient will be monitored regularly by the doctor. This is to ensure the condition and prevent side effects.

Follow all the recommendations and advice given by your doctor before, during, and after sufentanil injection.

Interactions of Sufentanil with Other Drugs

The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur if sufentanil is used with certain drugs:

  • Increased risk of serotonin syndrome and fatal side effects when used with -class drugs monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
  • Increased blood levels of sufentanil when used with cimetidine
  • Increased levels of sufentanil when used with ritonavir, ketoconazole, or itraconazole
  • Increased risk of severe respiratory distress if used with benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, or tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAs)

Sufentanil Side Effects and Dangers

Sufentanil will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital. There are several side effects that can occur after using sufentanil, namely:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizzy
  • Seizures or fainting
  • Warmth on the face, chest, or neck (flush)
  • Low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • Fast heartbeat, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat

The doctor will provide the necessary treatment if the patient experiences these side effects.