Remifentanil
Ultiva (remifentanil) is a short-acting synthetic opioid analgesic primarily used during surgical procedures to provide pain relief and anesthesia. It is administered intravenously during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, as well as for postoperative analgesia in monitored settings.
Ultiva is a rapid-acting opioid used for pain management during and after surgery in hospitalized patients.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 153379
- Generic
- Ultiva
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Ultiva is used for analgesia (pain relief) during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia during surgical procedures. It is also indicated for the provision of postoperative analgesia in a monitored setting such as an ICU or recovery room.
Ultiva is a selective mu-opioid receptor agonist. It works by binding to these receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which produces analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression. Its unique property is rapid hydrolysis by nonspecific esterases, resulting in an extremely short half-life of approximately 1-3 minutes.
Ultiva should only be administered by healthcare professionals experienced in anesthesia in a setting where resuscitation equipment is readily available. Common side effects include respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, muscle rigidity, and nausea. Due to its potency and rapid onset, patients require continuous monitoring of respiratory function and vital signs. Use is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to remifentanil or other fentanyl analogs.
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 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy