Variables of patient‐controlled analgesia. 3: test of an infusion‐demand system using alfentanil

Abstract

Patient‐controlled infusion‐demand analgesia was studied using alfentanil. We were unable to identify an optimal dose and administration rate; doses required range from 100 to 900 μg alfentanil. The mean concentration of alfentanil in blood associated with return of pain (i.e. immediately before demand) was 58 ng/ml on day 1 and 37 ng/ml on day 2. This difference was despite similar drug consumption on both days. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved