About fentanyl
Opioid pain medicine
Used for
- Long-lasting severe pain requiring continuous opioid treatment, such as cancer pain.
Usual adult dose
Applied every 72 hours; dose is individualized based on prior opioid use and pain control.
Usual dose in children
For opioid-tolerant children aged 2 years and older: dose is individualized and changed every 72 hours.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Skin irritation where the patch is applied
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
Important warnings
- Can cause fatal breathing suppression, especially when starting or increasing treatment.
- Only for opioid-tolerant patients; not for short-term, mild, or occasional pain.
- Heat, fever, or hot baths can increase absorption and overdose risk.
- Keep patches away from children; accidental exposure can be fatal.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy can cause newborn opioid withdrawal; prolonged use may also affect the baby's breathing.
Breastfeeding
Fentanyl passes into breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems; use requires careful clinical assessment.
Interactions
- Alcohol, sleeping medicines, and other sedatives can dangerously worsen drowsiness and breathing suppression.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral medicines can raise fentanyl levels.
- Rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may reduce fentanyl effects.
- MAO inhibitors can cause serious interactions; avoid use within 14 days.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.