Mechanism of action
- Opioid analgesic (strong)
- Analgesic properties are based mostly on its selective agonism to the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) which is crucial for transmission of information about pain throughout the central nervous system. These receptors are located mostly in brainstem and thalamus.
- It is five to ten times more potent than fentanyl and is the most potent opioid in clinical practice, posing a high risk of apnea with bolus administration.
Indications and dose
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: 2–3 minutes
Duration of action: Dependant on the dose; 30–60 minutes
Half-life of elimination: 2-3 hours
Metabolism: Hepatic, small intestine
Elimination: Kidneys (75 %), liver
Directions for administration
Dosage should be individualized.
Administer by slow intravenous injection or infusion.
Medicinal forms
Solution for Injection/Infusion
- 5 μg/ml, 1 vial = 2 ml (10 μg), 5 ml (25 μg), 10 ml (50 μg)
- 50 μg/ml, 1 vial = 1 ml (50 μg)
Sublingual tablets – 15 μg, 30 μg
Side-effects
Respiratory Depression
Muscle rigidity
CNS depression
Cardiovascular depression
Serotonin syndrome
Nausea, vomiting
Seizures
Reversal
Rapid reversal may be achieved with Naloxone.
See more about it in Naloxone list.
References
- Sufentanil: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online
- Sufentanil: Package Insert / Prescribing Information - Drugs.com
- SUFENTA® (SUFENTANIL CITRATE INJECTION, USP) (nih.gov)
- Sufenta (sufentanil) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more (medscape.com)
- Sufenta (Sufentanil Citrate Injection): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning (rxlist.com)
