About fentanyl citrate
Opioid analgesic
Used for
- Breakthrough cancer pain in opioid-tolerant adults already using regular opioid pain medicine.
Usual adult dose
Individualized starting dose; place one tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve. Adjust gradually under specialist supervision; repeat only as directed.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or headache
- Constipation
- Breathing slowed or stopped
Important warnings
- Only for opioid-tolerant adults; never use for ordinary pain or in opioid-naive people.
- Can cause fatal breathing problems, especially with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids.
- Keep locked away; accidental exposure can be fatal, especially to children.
- Do not chew, suck, or swallow whole; follow the prescribed dosing interval.
Pregnancy
May harm the unborn baby; prolonged use can cause newborn opioid withdrawal. Use only when prescribed after weighing risks.
Breastfeeding
Fentanyl enters breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for at least five days after the last dose.
Interactions
- Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other sedatives can dangerously increase drowsiness and breathing suppression.
- Some antifungals, antibiotics, and HIV medicines can raise fentanyl levels.
- Rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may reduce fentanyl effects.
- Serotonergic medicines may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.