About fentanyl citrate
Opioid analgesic
Used for
- Breakthrough cancer pain in opioid-tolerant adults
Usual adult dose
Individualized dose placed against the inside of the cheek; start at 100 mcg and titrate under specialist supervision.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Slow or shallow breathing
Important warnings
- Only for opioid-tolerant adults with cancer pain; not for routine pain.
- Can cause fatal breathing problems, especially with alcohol or sedatives.
- Risk of dependence, misuse, and overdose; keep securely away from others.
- Use exactly as prescribed; accidental exposure can be fatal, especially for children.
Pregnancy
May cause newborn opioid withdrawal with prolonged use; use during pregnancy requires careful clinical assessment.
Breastfeeding
Fentanyl can pass into breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems; breastfeeding guidance is product-specific.
Interactions
- Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other sedatives increase sedation and breathing risks.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can raise fentanyl levels; inducers can reduce them.
- Other opioids increase risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.