What it means
A synthetic opioid analgesicOH-pee-oyd an-ul-JEE-zikA strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.Full entry far stronger than morphineMOR-feenA strong opioid drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain.Full entry , so doses are measured in micrograms. IV fentanyl works within minutes and is used for anesthesia, procedures and severe pain. The skin patch releases the drug slowly over 72 hours for steady, long-term pain in clients already used to opioids. Like other opioids it can cause dangerous slow breathing. Illegally made fentanyl is a leading cause of overdose deaths.
For the nurse
Check the respiratory rate and sedation level before and after doses, and keep naloxone at hand. For patches: remove the old patch before putting on a new one, rotate sites, keep heat (heating pads, hot tubs, fever) away because heat speeds absorption, and fold used patches sticky side together before safe disposal. ISMP lists all opioids as high-alert.
At a glance
| Drug class | opioid analgesic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Duragesic (patch), Sublimaze (injection), Actiq (lozenge), Fentora (buccal tablet) |
| Spanish | fentanilo |
| Also written | Duragesic, Sublimaze, Actiq |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
morphine
A strong opioid drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
titrate
To adjust the dose or rate of a drug step by step until the wanted effect is reached.
mcg
Microgram: one millionth of a gram, or one thousandth of a milligram.
overdose
Taking more of a drug or substance than the body can safely handle, whether by accident or on purpose.