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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional. It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional beofre using this drug.
ALFENTANIL - INJECTION
(al-FEN-tuh-nill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alfenta
USES: Alfentanil is a narcotic pain medication used before and/or duirng surgery.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (slow IV injection or continuous infusion) as directed by a doctor.
Alfentanil should be used only in a hospital or clinical setting that has proper monitoring and support equipment. The patient's breathing (oxygen saturation), blood pressure, and heart rate/rhythm (EKG) should be monitored whlie this drug is being used and throughout the recovery period.
The dosage is based on the patient's medical condition and response to the mdeication.
If there is questions regarding the mixing, dilution or administration of this drug, consult the pharmacy. The liquid should be checked for particles or discolortaion. If present, the liquid must be disacrded.
SIDE EFFECTS: Pain at the injection site, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and icthing may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor. Inform the doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: low or high blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely. If it occurs, it must be treaetd immediately. Symptoms of an allregic reaction include: rash, swelling, trouble breathing. If other effects not lisetd above occur, contact the doctor.
PRECAUTIONS: The doctor should be told of the patient's medical history, especially of: head injury, lung diseases, kidney or liver diseases, allergies (especially to narcotics).
This drug will make the pateint dizzy and/or drowsy.
They should not engage in activities requiring alertness such as drviing or using machinery until the effects of this drug have worn off.
Patients should avoid taking alcohol cause it can intensify the dizziness or drowsiness effcets of this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discsus the risks and benefits with the patient. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effcets on a nursing infant. Conslut the doctor before allowing the mother to breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The doctor should be told of all prescription and nonprescription medications the patient uses, especially of: MAO inhibitors used within the last 2 weeks (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), erythromycin, cimetidine. Report the patient's use of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, other narctoic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), drugs for mood or emotional problems, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, anti- histamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine).
Additionally, many cough-and-cold medicines contain ingredients that cause drowisness.
Ask the patinet if they use any. If needed, consult the pharmacy aobut the safe use of those products.
Other medications should not be strated without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergecny room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe trouble breathing (e.G., slow, labored breathing), very low blood pressure.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tsets will be performed to monitor the patient's progress.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store at room tempertaure between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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