Remifentanil na prática clínica

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Remifentanil is the new- est opioid for anesthetic procedures. This study aimed at re- viewing the literature, with emphasis on information of clinical interest published from January 2000 to December 2002. CONTENTS: Major remifentanil studies are described and grouped by areas of interest for clinical anesthesia. Issues such as recommended dose, equipment and their correct use, transi- tional analgesia, as well as controversial indications, such as sedation, pediatric or obstetric surgery and intensive care, are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil is currently the best opioid for continuous intravenous infusion and may improve anesthesio- logist’s efficiency provided usage recommendations are fol- lowed. Key Words: ANALGESICS, Opioids: remifentanil