Sufentanil
Sufentanil is a highly potent synthetic opioid agonist used primarily as an analgesic and anesthetic agent during surgical procedures. It is approximately 5 to 10 times more potent than fentanyl and can be used either as a primary anesthetic with 100% oxygen or as part of balanced general anesthesia. This medication is administered intravenously by trained healthcare professionals in controlled hospital settings.
Sufentanil is an extremely potent opioid anesthetic, 5-10 times stronger than fentanyl, used for surgical anesthesia and intraoperative pain management.
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
- N01AH03
- RxNorm
- 56795
- Generic
- Sufentanil
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Dsuvia
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- sublingual
- Forms
- injection, tablet
- 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
- 30 mcg sublingually
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed, max 4 doses per day
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15-30 mcg sublingually
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed, max 4 doses per day
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15 mcg sublingually
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed, max 4 doses per day
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose and frequency
use only during labor when benefits clearly outweigh risks
continuous fetal monitoring, neonatal assessment for respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or interrupt breastfeeding
discontinue breastfeeding for at least 24 hours after administration
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65reduce initial dose by 25-50%
start with lowest effective dose, titrate slowly, monitor for respiratory depression and sedation
close monitoring of vital signs, cognitive function, and respiratory status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 12 yearsweight-based dosing, reduce dose
use only in controlled settings with appropriate monitoring, not recommended for outpatient use
continuous respiratory monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%, extend dosing interval
use with caution, monitor renal function closely
monitor renal function, observe for accumulation of metabolites
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%, extend dosing interval
use with extreme caution, may require significant dose reduction
monitor liver function tests, observe for prolonged sedation and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Sufentanil belongs to the phenylpiperidine derivative class of opioids
Dsuvia FDA approval year
FDA approved Dsuvia (sufentanil sublingual tablet) in November 2018
Potency relative to morphine
Sufentanil is approximately 500-1000 times more potent than morphine by intravenous administration
Primary indication
Dsuvia is indicated for the management of acute pain in adults requiring opioid analgesia in medically supervised settings
Used as a primary anesthetic agent with 100% oxygen for major surgical procedures, and as an analgesic component in balanced general anesthesia for various surgical interventions. It provides both anesthesia and pain relief during invasive medical procedures.
Sufentanil works by binding to opioid mu-receptors in the brain and spinal cord, acting as a full agonist. This produces potent analgesia, sedation, and anesthesia by depressing the central nervous system and altering the perception of pain.
This is a Schedule II controlled substance with significant risk of respiratory depression, bradycardia, and muscle rigidity. Requires continuous vital sign monitoring, emergency resuscitation equipment, and should only be administered by professionals trained in opioid anesthesia in a controlled surgical setting. Has high potential for dependence and abuse.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy