Fentanyl

Abstract

Description of the pharmacology of fentanyl including the pharmacological effects that differentiate it from other opioids. This is followed by a description of its clinical use in anesthesiology by intravenous route in pre- and intra-operatory periods. In the post-operatory period it may be used by intravenous or peridural route either alone or in combination with local anaesthetics. A revision is made of other applications by epidural route such as vaginal and cesarean birth, as well as patients suffering from multiple injuries including fractured ribs. Finally, two new forms of administration are analysed, the transdermal route used for relief from cancer pain, as well as NMCP and the oral transmucosal route, indicated and of first choice for the treatment of episodic pain of neoplastic as well as non-malignant origin.