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Fentanyl

Generic Name
Fentanyl
Brand Names
Abstral, Actiq, Duragesic, Effentora, Fentora, Instanyl, Lazanda, Sublimaze, Subsys, PecFent
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C22H28N2O
CAS Number
437-38-7
Unique Ingredient Identifier
UF599785JZ

Overview

Fentanyl, a potent opioid agonist, was developed in the 1950s to fill a need for strong and rapid analgesia. Because of these characteristics, fentanyl is commonly used to treat chronic cancer pain or in anesthesia. Fentanyl is related to other opioids like morphine and oxycodone. Fentanyl's high potency has also made it a common adulterant in illicit drugs, especially heroin. In 2017, 47600 overdose deaths in the United States involved some opioid (over 2/3 of all overdose deaths). Opioid overdoses kill an average of 11 Canadians daily. Fentanyl was FDA approved in 1968.

Background

Fentanyl, a potent opioid agonist, was developed in the 1950s to fill a need for strong and rapid analgesia. Because of these characteristics, fentanyl is commonly used to treat chronic cancer pain or in anesthesia. Fentanyl is related to other opioids like morphine and oxycodone. Fentanyl's high potency has also made it a common adulterant in illicit drugs, especially heroin. In 2017, 47600 overdose deaths in the United States involved some opioid (over 2/3 of all overdose deaths). Opioid overdoses kill an average of 11 Canadians daily. Fentanyl was FDA approved in 1968.

Indication

Fentanyl intravenous or intramuscular injections are indicated for short term analgesia during induction, maintenance, and recovery from general or regional anesthesia. These injections are also used with a neuroleptic for premedication, induction, and as an adjunct to maintenance of anesthesia. Finally, fentanyl intravenous or intramuscular injections are used with oxygen for anesthesia in high risk patients. Fentanyl sublingual tablets, transmucosal lozenges, buccal tablets, sublingual sprays, transdermal systems, and nasal sprays are indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in opioid tolerant cancer patients who require around the clock pain management.

Associated Conditions

  • Cancer Related Pain (Breakthrough Pain)
  • Severe, Chronic Pain

Clinical Trials

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Title
Posted
Study ID
Phase
Status
Sponsor
2014/12/25
Not Applicable
Completed
2014/12/24
Phase 4
Withdrawn
2014/12/11
Phase 4
Completed
2014/11/24
Phase 2
Completed
University Hospital, Grenoble
2014/11/20
Phase 4
UNKNOWN
Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital
2014/10/30
Phase 3
Active, not recruiting
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
2014/10/29
Not Applicable
Terminated
2014/10/17
Phase 4
Completed
Perihan Ekmekçi
2014/09/30
Not Applicable
Completed
University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
2014/09/16
Phase 3
Terminated
Loyola University

FDA Drug Approvals

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EMA Drug Approvals

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HSA Drug Approvals

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NMPA Drug Approvals

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PPB Drug Approvals

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