Fentanyl Medicine, Benefits, Dosage And Side Effects

Fentanyl is a drug to relieve intense pain, such as the result of cancer or surgery. This drug can also be used as an anesthetic or adjunctive drug to increase the effect of the anesthetic during surgery. Fentanyl is an opioid pain medication that works by blocking pain signals in nerve cells that lead to the brain. This drug is available in the form of injections and transdermal patches in the form of a plaster or patch. 

Fentanyl should not be used carelessly and must match the doctor's formula. Fentanyl trademarks: 

Durogesic, Etanyl, Fentanyl, Fentanyl Citrate 

-What is Fentanyl = Class of prescription drugs 

-Category Analgesics and Anesthesia = Benefit Relieves intense pain, as an additional drug used during anesthesia or anesthesia procedures Used by adults and children = Fentanyl for mothers with two bodies and breastfeeding Category C: Research in animal studies has shown side effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in women with two bodies. Drugs may only be used if the expected efficacy exceeds the risk to the child. 

Fentanyl can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. 

-Medicine form = injection and transdermal patch 

-Caution Before Using Fentanyl

Fentanyl should only be used according to a doctor's formula. Pay attention to the following points before using fentanyl: Tell your doctor about your history of allergies. Fentanyl should not be given to sufferers who are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, seizures, epilepsy, arrhythmias, adrenal gland problems, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, low blood pressure, mental problems, or enlarged prostate. 

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had sleep apnea, headaches, alcoholism, difficulty urinating, pancreatitis, thyroid disease, drug abuse, or gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you are currently using drugs, supplements, or herbal products. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are taking treatment with fentanyl before having surgery, including dental surgery. 

Do not consume alcoholic beverages and grapefruit juice while on treatment with fentanyl, because it can increase the risk of developing dangerous side effects. Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using fentanyl, because this drug can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Immediately see a doctor if there is a drug allergic response, serious side effects, or an overdose after using fentanyl. 

Dosage and Terms of Use Fentanyl The following is the general dosage for using fentanyl based on the form of the drug, condition, and age of the patient: -Form of medicine: injection and infusion - Circumstances: As premedication prior to surgical procedures

-Adult: 50-100 mcg, given by injection into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or vein(intravenous/IV) 30-60 minutes before surgery. 

-Condition: As a bonus drug for universal anesthesia during major surgery (major surgery) 

-Adult: Initial dose is 1–2 mcg/kg per hour. Maintenance dose 2–20 mcg/kg/dose via IV injection. 

-Children aged 2 years: 2-3 mcg/kg by IV or IM injection every 1-2 hours as needed. 

-Condition: As an additional drug for universal anesthesia during minor surgery (minor surgery) 

-Adults: 0.5–2 mcg/ kgBB/dose via IV injection. 

-Medicinal form: Transdermal patch 

-Condition: Chronic pain in patients who are not resistant to opioids 

-Children 2 years and older: 25–100 mcg/hour, given every 72 hours. Method of Using Fentanyl Properly Always follow the doctor's advice while taking treatment with fentanyl. Fentanyl injection will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Injections can be given into a muscle (IM), a vein (IV), or put into an IV infusion. Fentanyl transdermal patch form should not be used on skin that is experiencing injury or irritation. 

Use the patch on flat, dry skin areas, such as the chest, back, or upper arms so they can adhere properly. If necessary, clip the hair in the skin area where the drug will be attached. Paste and press the transdermal patch for 30 seconds, so that the drug attaches properly. 

Release the drug after 72 hours or as directed by the doctor. Be sure to remove the old patch first, then attach the new patch in a different area. Do not apply more than one patch at a time. Perforated fentanyl transdermal patch can increase the rate of drug absorption into the skin. Therefore, do not use a patch that is damaged. After using the medicine, do not wash your hands using soap or other cleansers. It's okay to wash your hands with running water.

Do not increase or decrease the dose without first asking your doctor. This drug can cause dependence or overdose if used too much. If you don't remember using fentanyl in the form of a transdermal patch, immediately apply the patch as soon as you remember. Do not use an extra patch to make up for a forgotten dose. Store the fentanyl transdermal patch in the package in a cool, dry place. Keep the drug away from direct sunlight and the reach of children. 

Fentanyl Interactions with Other Drugs Some of these drug interactions can occur when fentanyl is used in combination with certain drugs: Increased blood levels of fentanyl and risk of side effects when used with erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, or amiodarone Increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome when used with antidepressant drugs Increased risk of developing severe side effects, such as seizures, coma, especially death when used with other opioid drugs, such as morphine or tramadol Decreased blood levels of fentanyl when used with phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, ammonium chloride, or rifampicin 

-Increased risk of developing hypotension when used with phenothiazines 

-Reduced effects of fentanyl when used with naloxone Not only that, interaction effects can also arise when using fentanyl when consuming certain foods or drinks, for example: -Increased risk of developing severe side effects when used with alcohol 

-Increased blood fentanyl content when used with grapefruit juice Decreased blood fentanyl content when used with St. John's Wort Side Effects and Dangers of Fentanyl Some of the side effects that can occur due to the use of fentanyl are:

-Stomach ache 

-Constipation 

- Nausea or vomiting 

-Drowsiness 

-The body feels weak 

- Headaches, dizziness, or vertigo 

-The skin that is injected or attached to the drug feels itchy or irritated Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve or even continue to get worse. 

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as: Severe dizziness -Hard to breathe - Anxiety and difficulty sleeping -Easy to anger or hallucinations -No appetite - Heart palpitations or fast heart rate - Diarrhea or stomach cramps - Pain or muscle stiffness -Loss of understanding, convulsions, fainting 

Source: https://www.halodoc.com