About Fentanyl (matrix) 25mcg/h
Opioid analgesic
Used for
- Long-term treatment of severe, persistent pain when other treatments are inadequate.
- Pain relief in opioid-tolerant patients requiring continuous opioid treatment.
Usual adult dose
Applied continuously; dose is individualized by a prescriber according to opioid tolerance and pain control. Patches are generally changed every 72 hours.
Usual dose in children
For opioid-tolerant children aged 2 years and older: dose is individualized by a specialist; patches are generally changed every 72 hours.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or dry mouth
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or confusion
- Sweating or itching at the patch site
- Slow or difficult breathing
Important warnings
- Can cause life-threatening breathing suppression, especially when starting or increasing treatment.
- Only for opioid-tolerant patients; not for sudden, short-term, or postoperative pain.
- Heat, fever, or hot baths can increase absorption and overdose risk.
- Can cause dependence; keep patches securely stored and dispose of used patches safely.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only when clearly needed; prolonged use may cause withdrawal in newborns. Use near delivery may suppress a newborn’s breathing.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended during breastfeeding; fentanyl can pass into milk and may cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems.
Interactions
- Alcohol, sleeping medicines, benzodiazepines, or other opioids can dangerously increase sedation and breathing suppression.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV medicines can raise fentanyl levels.
- Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St John’s wort can reduce fentanyl levels.
- Some antidepressants can increase serotonin-related side effects.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.