Alfentanil (HCl)

Drug #36

Alfentanil (HCl) is a potent (micro)u-receptor agonist opioid with a very rapid onset of action. Alfentanil (HCl) is a synthetic opioid derived from fentanyl. Alfentanil (HCl) is a narcotic analgesic (relieves pain with loss of consciousness). Alfentanil (HCl) is used as a primary anaesthetic (agent that causes loss of sensation) for the induction of anaestheia in general surgery and as a analgesic adjunct in the maintenance of anaesthesia with other drugs. Alfentanil (HCl) is not available in any combination preparation. Alfentanil (HCl) is administered intravenously.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Propionanilide.

It belongs to OPIATE agonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Analgesic-Narcotic pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 471 · pK_a: 6.5 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 7 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 5 · Non-proprietary name: Alfentanil (HCl).

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Alfentanil (HCl) has an pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 75% (±5%).

Distribution: Alfentanil (HCl) has a volume of distribution is approximately 0.5 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 90-92%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via 100% via liver, plasma half-life is 1-2 hours, renal excretion is <1.

Indications

Alfentanil (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Analgesia and suppression of respiratory activity, Analgesia especially during short operative procedure, Opioid anesthesia induction, Opioid anesthesia maintenance, Post-operative pain.

Alfentanil (HCl) is also indicated for secondary conditions like Sedation.

Contraindications

Alfentanil (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypovolaemia, Respiratory insufficiency.

Dosage

Alfentanil (HCl)'s dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1 ug/kg	1 ug/kg	—	IV	Give IV as 1mcg/Kg about every miniute or by infusion at a similar rate.
7.5 ug/kg	7.5 ug/kg	—	IV	Load over 20-30 Seconds
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown8 interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Alfentanil (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Apnea, Muscle rigidity, Respiratory depression, Bradycardia . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Alfentanil (HCl) are Hypotension, Pulmonary edema , Rhabdomyolysis .

Alfentanil (HCl) is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Nausea, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Alfentanil should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system (CNS) depression, convulsive disorder, ulcerative colitis, fever, recent gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, bradyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardia, pulmonary diseases. Patients should exercise caution while driving or performing tasks requiring alertness because it may produce drowsiness.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Alfentanil (HCl) should be stored IV Inj, IV Inf..

Drug Classification

1.2.2 — Opioid analgesics