About remifentanil
Ultra-short-acting opioid analgesic
Used for
- Pain relief during general anaesthesia
- Analgesia and sedation for ventilated intensive-care patients
Usual adult dose
Given by intravenous infusion, usually 0.05–2 micrograms/kg/min during anaesthesia; dose is individualised and closely monitored.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 1 year and older during anaesthesia, infusion commonly starts at 0.25 micrograms/kg/min; specialist adjustment is required.
Common side effects
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Slow heart rate and low blood pressure
- Muscle stiffness
- Nausea, vomiting, and shivering
Important warnings
- For administration by trained clinicians with continuous monitoring and resuscitation equipment available.
- Can cause profound respiratory depression, chest-wall rigidity, and dependence.
- Effects wear off rapidly; provide alternative pain relief when stopping the infusion.
- Not suitable for epidural or intrathecal injection.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; use near delivery may cause newborn breathing problems or muscle stiffness.
Breastfeeding
No adequate information; discuss with a clinician before breastfeeding after treatment.
Interactions
- Other opioids, sedatives, and anaesthetics increase breathing suppression.
- Beta-blockers and other heart-rate-lowering medicines may increase slow heart rate.
- 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.