Alfentanil
Alfentanil is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic primarily used as an adjunct to general anesthesia during surgical procedures. It acts rapidly with a short duration of action, making it particularly useful for short procedures and for managing pain during operations. This medication is administered intravenously in closely monitored clinical settings such as operating rooms and intensive care units.
Alfentanil is a short-acting opioid analgesic used for pain control and anesthesia during surgical procedures.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AH02
- RxNorm
- 480
- Generic
- Alfentanil
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.5-2 mcg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25-1 mcg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25-1 mcg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid or reduce dose
avoid use close to delivery due to risk of neonatal respiratory depression
fetal monitoring and neonatal assessment for respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after administration
monitor infant for sedation and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use reduced doses and slower administration
close monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates infantsweight-based dosing with extreme caution
use only in controlled anesthetic settings with ventilatory support available
continuous respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 25-50%
use reduced doses and monitor for accumulation
monitor for prolonged sedation and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severereduce dose by 25-50%
significant dose reduction required due to reduced metabolism
close monitoring of respiratory depression and sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
Initial FDA approval for Alfentanil
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary uses
Therapeutic applications
Controlled substance schedule
Regulatory classification
Alfentanil is used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia during surgical procedures, as an analgesic supplement to balanced anesthesia, and for managing pain during short surgical interventions. It may also be used for procedural sedation in monitored care settings.
Alfentanil works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, where it inhibits pain signal transmission and produces potent analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression as a side effect.
Alfentanil should only be administered by trained anesthesia professionals capable of managing respiratory depression and providing appropriate monitoring and resuscitation equipment. It carries risks of dependence, tolerance, and potentially serious interactions with other CNS depressants. Close monitoring of respiratory function and vital signs is essential during and after administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy