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Alfentanil Hydrochloride

ALFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer: Akorn

Score: 144.0

Quick Summary

Alfentanil Hydrochloride is an opioid agonist used as an analgesic adjunct in anesthesia and for monitored anesthesia care. It is administered intravenously and has a rapid onset of action. The drug has several important safety considerations, including the risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, as well as respiratory depression, muscle rigidity, and interactions with other CNS depressants. Dosage recommendations vary based on the specific use, patient population, and other factors, and special considerations are needed for use in pregnant women, nursing mothers, pediatric patients, and geriatric patients.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

  • Analgesic adjunct in anesthesia
  • Monitored anesthesia care
  • Induction of anesthesia for general surgical procedures
  • Maintenance of anesthesia

Important Safety Information

Warning

Addiction, abuse, and misuse can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing Alfentanil HCl Injection.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to alfentanil

Adverse Reactions

  • Respiratory depression
  • Muscle rigidity
  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

Reduce the dose in elderly, debilitated, and obese patients, and when administering with CNS depressants.

Analgesic adjunct in anesthesia

Adult Dose

8-20 mcg/kg

Pediatric Dose

Not recommended for patients under 12 years of age

Monitored anesthesia care

Adult Dose

3-8 mcg/kg

Pediatric Dose

Not recommended for patients under 12 years of age

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

  • Prolonged use during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
  • Use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to the fetus

Nursing Mothers

  • Alfentanil is excreted in human milk, but the effect on the nursing infant is not known

Pediatric Use

  • Not recommended for patients under 12 years of age due to lack of data

Geriatric Use

  • Reduce the initial dose by up to 40% due to reduced clearance and increased sensitivity
  • Monitor for respiratory depression and other adverse reactions