Remifentanil
Remifentanil is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic used primarily during surgical procedures to provide rapid pain relief and anesthesia. Unlike many opioids, it is rapidly metabolized by the body through hydrolysis, allowing for precise control of its effects. It is particularly useful in operating room and critical care settings where short-acting pain control is needed.
A fast-acting opioid anesthetic agent used for pain management during and after surgical procedures.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AH06
- RxNorm
- 73032
- Generic
- Remifentanil
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Ultiva
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- 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.
Used during surgical procedures for analgesia and anesthesia, including induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Also provides controlled pain relief in the immediate postoperative period, particularly for patients requiring mechanical ventilation in critical care settings.
Remifentanil binds to and activates µ-opioid receptors throughout the central nervous system, producing potent analgesia, sedation, and anesthesia. Its unique property is rapid metabolism through hydrolysis by nonspecific esterases in blood and tissues, independent of liver or kidney function, resulting in a very short half-life and predictable offset of effects.
Must be administered only by trained healthcare professionals in settings with continuous monitoring capabilities. Common side effects include respiratory depression, bradycardia, muscle rigidity, and hypotension. Effects can be rapidly reversed with opioid antagonists like naloxone. Due to its rapid metabolism, pain relief wears off quickly after discontinuation, requiring alternative analgesia planning.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy