| Brand Name | Sublimaze, Duragesic |
| Generic Name | Fentanyl |
| Drug Class | Mu-Opioid Receptor Agonist |
| Availability | Prescription |
| Manufacturer | Johnson & Johnson |
| Indications | IBS-D (Severe abdominal pain) |
| Type | Patch, Injection, Buccal |
| Doses | 25-100 mcg IV as needed for acute pain, or 12 mcg/hr patch for chronic pain |
| Route | IV, Patch |
| Side Effects | Drowsiness, constipation, respiratory depression, dizziness |
| Interactions | Additive CNS depression; caution with MAO inhibitors |
| Overdose | Respiratory depression, death. |
| Missed Dose | Take missed dose ASAP (patch/oral forms vary). |
| Contraindications | Severe respiratory depression, acute asthma, GI obstruction. |
| Alternatives | Morphine, Oxycodone |
| Co-Pay Assistance Program | Available Rx |
| Patient Assistance Program | Not available |
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that is used to manage severe pain, and it is normally applied in patients who are either having cancer or are undergoing post-surgery recovery.
Fentanyl acts by attaching itself to opioid receptors of the brain and spinal cord, which inhibits the pain and provides an euphoric effect.
Some of the widespread side effects are drowsiness, nausea, constipation and respiratory depression.
Yes, Fentanyl may be consumed along with or without a meal, still, it is used as a patch or lozenge to regulate the pain gradually.
Fentanyl is crucial and needs to be taken only when there is no other choice as it might be harmful to the unborn baby. Use it with the input of your doctor.
In case of dose missed, proceed on what you are advised on what particular means of administering Fentanyl. Do not take any additional doses to compensate the averted dosage.
Fentanyl does indeed react with other central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines and alcohol. Do not forget to notify your doctor about all the medications you take.
Fentanyl acts fast in alleviating the pain particularly when taken as a lozenge or patch and the effects are felt within 12-24 hours after doing so.
Fentanyl is a long-term medication, but it is more likely to be accompanied by tolerance, dependence, and overdose so it requires close monitoring.
In case of severe side effects like difficulty breathing or chest pains, contact the doctor at once.
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