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Fentanyl Citrate - Learn about Fentanyl Citrate Side Effects and Precautions

Fentanyl Citrate Information

The pharmacology action of Fentanyl Citrate is that it is a potent, short-acting, rapid-onset opiate agonist that relieves pain by stimulating opiate receptors in CNS; also causes respiratory depression, peripheral vasodilation, inhibition of intestinal peristalsis, sphincter of Oddi spasm, stimulation of chemoreceptors that cause vomiting, and increased bladder tone.

Fentanyl Citrate is used in short-term analgesia before, during, and after anesthesia; supplement to general or regional anesthesia; for administration with neuroleptic during anesthesia; anesthesia with oxygen for high-risk patients

Interaction and Contraindication of Fentanyl Citrate

Interaction of Fentanyl Citrate - Amiodarone:  Profound bradycardia, sinus arrest, and hypotension may occur.
Barbiturate anesthetics, other CNS depressants:  May have additive effects. Dose of fentanyl required will be less than usual.
Diazepam:  Diazepam may produce cardiovascular depression when given with high doses of fentanyl.
Droperidol:  May cause hypotension and decrease pulmonary arterial pressure.
Nitrous oxide:  Nitrous oxide may cause cardiovascular depression with high-dose fentanyl.
Protease inhibitors:  Monitor for increased CNS and respiratory depression

Contraindication of Fentanyl Citrate - Known intolerance to fentanyl.

Side Effects of Fentanyl Citrate

Here are the list of some common side effects of Fentanyl Citrate :

• Hypotension; hypertension; bradycardia; tachycardia; chest wall rigidity
• Lightheadedness; dizziness; sedation; disorientation; incoordination; seizures
• Sweating; pruritus; urticaria
• Nausea; vomiting; constipation; abdominal pain.
• Laryngospasm; depression of cough reflex; respiratory depression; rebound respiratory depression postoperatively.
• Skeletal muscle rigidity; tolerance; psychological and physical dependence with chronic use.

Precaution and Warning while taking Fentanyl Citrate

The precaution and warnings of Fentanyl Citrate drug is as follows:

• Instruct patient about adverse effects, and identify signs and symptoms that should be reported.
• Explain that lightheadedness and dizziness are frequently experienced and that transfer assistance should be used as needed.
• Instruct patient to avoid use of other CNS depressants or alcohol and to avoid driving after administration.
• Explain potential for tolerance with continued use.

How to store Fentanyl Citrate

• Use medication immediately after dilution.
• Check calculated dose volume carefully.
• Administer IV dose slowly over 1 to 2 min.
• Store at room temperature and protect from light.