Remifentanil
Remifentanil is an opioid analgesic similar to fentanyl, used as an adjunct to general anaesthesia. Remifentanil is given as an induction agent since it has a rapid onset of action and an extremely short duration of action. Ramifentanil is metabolised very rapidly by blood and non-specific tissue esterases, making its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic half-lives extremely short.
Primary Characteristics
Non-proprietary name: Remifentanil.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Remifentanil has an pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 40% (±10%).
Distribution: Remifentanil has a volume of distribution is 0.35(0.3-0.4)l/kg. plasma protein binding is 92%.
Elimination: plasma half-life is 0.23(0.13-0.33)hr, renal excretion is negligible.
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Indications
Remifentanil is primarily indicated in conditions like Obsessive-compulsive disorders, Severe shock due for example to cardiac arrest.
Contraindications
Remifentanil is contraindicated in conditions like Phaeochromocytoma, Raised intracranial pressure, Adjunct in cryptococcal meningitis.
Dosage
None recorded.
Drug Interactions
None recorded.
Side Effects
Remifentanil is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Constipation , Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
None recorded.
Drug Classification
- 1.2.2 — Opioid analgesics