Fentanyl citrate
Fentanyl citrate is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic, which is used for pain management and anesthesia. It is a citrate salt form of fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl citrate is commonly used in medical settings for its rapid onset and short duration of action.
Medical Uses[edit | edit source]
Fentanyl citrate is primarily used for:
- Anesthesia: It is used as an adjunct to general anesthesia or as a sole anesthetic agent in certain procedures.
- Pain management: It is used for managing severe pain, particularly in patients who are tolerant to other opioids.
- Palliative care: It is used to alleviate severe pain in terminally ill patients.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Fentanyl citrate works by binding to the mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, which inhibits the transmission of pain signals. This binding results in analgesia, sedation, and euphoria. The drug's high lipid solubility allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier quickly, leading to its rapid onset of action.
Administration[edit | edit source]
Fentanyl citrate can be administered in various forms, including:
- Intravenous (IV) injection
- Transdermal patch
- Buccal tablets
- Nasal spray
- Lozenges
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of fentanyl citrate include:
Overdose and Toxicity[edit | edit source]
Due to its potency, fentanyl citrate carries a high risk of overdose, which can be fatal. Symptoms of overdose include:
- Severe respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Coma
- Death
Regulation and Control[edit | edit source]
Fentanyl citrate is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, indicating it has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Opioid receptor
- Blood-brain barrier
- Respiratory depression
- Schedule II controlled substance
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
