Alfentanil
Also known as: Alfenta, Fanaxal, Fentalim, Limifen, Rapifen
Alfentanil is a **highly potent opioid medication** used strictly for anesthesia and severe pain management. * **Professional Use Only:** This drug is only administered by veterinary professionals in a clinical setting where advanced patient monitoring (like ECG and oxygen tracking) is available. * **Safety:** Because it can slow breathing and heart rate, your pet will be closely monitored throughout the entire procedure. * **Post-Anesthesia:** Your pet may be groggy or sleepy after the procedure, which is a normal effect of opioid anesthetics.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As a premed
- As a constant rate infusion for pain
- As an analgesic supplement to anesthesia
- For intra-operative analgesia in patients with intracranial disease
- Intraoperative analgesia
- Intraoperative analgesia
- Intraoperative analgesia
- Intraoperative analgesia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dose-related respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- CNS depression
- Dose-related skeletal muscle rigidity
- Asystole (rare)
- Hypercarbia (rare)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients hypersensitive to opioids
- > **Critical Warning:** Because of the drug's potency and potential for significant adverse effects, it should **only** be used in situations where patient vital signs can be continuously monitored. * **Dose Adjustments:** Initial dosage reduction may be required in geriatric or debilitated patients, particularly those with diminished cardiopulmonary function or liver disease. * **Muscle Rigidity:** Dose-related skeletal muscle rigidity is not uncommon; neuromuscular blockers are routinely used in conjunction. * **Laboratory Artifacts:** May increase plasma levels of amylase or lipase secondary to increased biliary tract pressure. Values may be unreliable for 24 hours post-administration.
Drug interactions
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors (erythromycin, cimetidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, diltiazem): May increase the half-life and decrease the clearance of alfentanil leading to prolonged effect and an increased risk of respiratory depression
- Beta-blockers: May produce bradycardia or hypotension if used concurrently with alfentanil
- Other anesthetic agents: May produce bradycardia or hypotension; respiratory or CNS depression may be exacerbated
- Inhaled anaesthetics: Reduces the dose requirements of concurrently administered anaesthetics by at least 50%
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Risk of serotonin toxicity
Frequently asked questions
What is Alfentanil used for in pets?
Alfentanil is a **highly potent opioid medication** used strictly for anesthesia and severe pain management. * **Professional Use Only:** This drug is only administered by veterinary professionals in a clinical setting where advanced patient monitoring (like ECG and oxygen tracking) is available. * **Safety:** Because it can slow breathing and heart rate, your pet will be closely monitored throughout the entire procedure. * **Post-Anesthesia:** Your pet may be groggy or sleepy after the procedure, which is a normal effect of opioid anesthetics.
Is Alfentanil safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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