Alfentanil is a narcotic pain medication used before and/or during surgery.
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Alfenta
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| | Alfentanil Hydrochloride
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
alfentanil Hydrochloride
Alfenta
Uses
Alfentanil is a narcotic pain medication used before and/or during surgery.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- Symptoms of overdose may include: severe trouble breathing (e.g., slow, labored breathing), very low blood pressure.
How
To Use - Alfentanil Hydrochloride is given by vein (slow IV injection or continuous infusion) as directed by a doctor.
- Alfentanil should be used only in a hospital or clinical setting that has proper monitoring and support equipment.
- The patient s breathing (oxygen saturation), blood pressure, and heart rate/rhythm (EKG) should be monitored while Alfentanil Hydrochloride is being used and throughout the recovery period.
- The dosage is based on the patient s medical condition and response to the medication.
- If there are questions regarding the mixing, dilution or administration of Alfentanil Hydrochloride, consult the pharmacy.
- The liquid should be checked for particles or discoloration.
- If present, the liquid must be discarded.
Side
Effects - Pain at the injection site, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and itching may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor.
- Inform the doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: low or high blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing.
- An allergic reaction to Alfentanil Hydrochloride is unlikely.
- If it occurs, it must be treated immediately.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, swelling, trouble breathing.
- If other effects not listed above occur, contact the doctor.
Precautions
- The doctor should be told of the patient s medical history, especially of: head injury, lung diseases, kidney or liver diseases, allergies (especially to narcotics).
- Alfentanil Hydrochloride will make the patient dizzy and/or drowsy.
- They should not engage in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery until the effects of Alfentanil Hydrochloride have worn off.
- Patients should avoid drinking alcohol because it can intensify the dizziness or drowsiness effects of Alfentanil Hydrochloride.
- Caution is advised when using Alfentanil Hydrochloride in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of Alfentanil Hydrochloride.
- Alfentanil Hydrochloride should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with the patient.
- Alfentanil Hydrochloride passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Consult the doctor before allowing the mother to breast-feed.
Missed
Dose Drug
Interactions - The doctor should be told of all prescription and nonprescription medications the patient uses, especially of: MAO inhibitors used within the last 2 weeks (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), erythromycin, cimetidine.
- Report the patient s use of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, other narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs for mood or emotional problems, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, anti- histamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
- Additionally, many cough-and-cold medicines contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
- Ask the patient if they use any.
- If needed, consult the pharmacy about the safe use of those products.
- Other medications should not be started without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |