Manufacturing Establishments1
FDA-registered manufacturing facilities and establishments involved in the production, packaging, or distribution of this drug product.
Hospira, Inc.
827731089
Products1
Detailed information about drug products covered under this FDA approval, including NDC codes, dosage forms, ingredients, and administration routes.
Sufentanil Citrate
Product Details
Drug Labeling Information
Complete FDA-approved labeling information including indications, dosage, warnings, contraindications, and other essential prescribing details.
RECENT MAJOR CHANGES SECTION
RECENT MAJOR CHANGES
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Boxed Warning |
7/2023 |
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Warnings and Precautions (5.7) |
7/2023 |
DESCRIPTION SECTION
11 DESCRIPTION
Sufentanil Citrate Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of sufentanil citrate in water for injection. Sufentanil Citrate is a potent opioid analgesic which is administered either epidurally or by intravenous injection.
Each mL contains sufentanil citrate equivalent to 50 mcg of sufentanil. May contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. pH 4.2 (3.5 to 6.0).
The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended for use only as a single-use injection. When smaller doses are required, the unused portion should be discarded in an appropriate manner.
Sufentanil Citrate, USP, occurs as a white crystalline powder and is chemically designated as N-[-4-(methyoxymethyl)-1-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinyl]-N-phenylpropanamide 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate (1:1).
The molecular formula of sufentanil citrate is C22H30N2O2S∙C6H8O7 and the molecular weight is 578.69. Sufentanil Citrate has the following structural formula:
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
Highlight: Sufentanil Citrate Injection is an opioid agonist indicated (1):
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as an analgesic adjunct in the maintenance of balanced general anesthesia in patients who are intubated and ventilated.
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as a primary anesthetic agent for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia with 100% oxygen in patients undergoing major surgical procedures, in patients who are intubated and ventilated, such as cardiovascular surgery or neurosurgical procedures in the sitting position, to provide favorable myocardial and cerebral oxygen balance or when extended postoperative ventilation is anticipated.
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for epidural administration as an analgesic combined with low dose (usually 12.5 mg per administration) bupivacaine usually during labor and vaginal delivery.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Sufentanil Citrate Injection is indicated for intravenous administration in adults and pediatric patients:
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as an analgesic adjunct in the maintenance of balanced general anesthesia in patients who are intubated and ventilated.
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as a primary anesthetic agent for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia with 100% oxygen in patients undergoing major surgical procedures, in patients who are intubated and ventilated, such as cardiovascular surgery or neurosurgical procedures in the sitting position, to provide favorable myocardial and cerebral oxygen balance or when extended postoperative ventilation is anticipated.
Sufentanil Citrate Injection is indicated for epidural administration:
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as an analgesic combined with low dose (usually 12.5 mg per administration) bupivacaine usually during labor and vaginal delivery.
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION
Highlight: •
Sufentanil Citrate Injection should be administered only by persons specifically trained in the use of intravenous anesthetics and management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids.
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Ensure that an opioid antagonist, resuscitative and intubation equipment, and oxygen are readily available. (2.1)
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Individualize dosing based on factors such as age, body weight, physical status, underlying pathological condition, use of other drugs, type of anesthesia to be used, and the surgical procedure involved. (2.1)
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Initiate analgesic treatment with 1 to 2 mcg/kg intravenously. (2.2)
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Initiate epidural injection for labor and delivery at 10 to 15 mcg of sufentanil administered with 10 mL bupivacaine 0.125% with or without epinephrine. (2.3)
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions
Sufentanil Citrate Injection should be administered only by persons specifically trained in the use of intravenous or epidural anesthetics and management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids.
In patients administered high doses of Sufentanil Citrate Injection, it is essential that qualified personnel and adequate facilities are available for the management of postoperative respiratory depression.
For purposes of administering small volumes of Sufentanil Citrate Injection accurately, the use of a tuberculin syringe or equivalent is recommended.
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Ensure that an opioid antagonist, resuscitative and intubation equipment, and oxygen are readily available.
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Individualize dosage based on factors such as age, body weight, physical status, underlying pathological condition, use of other drugs, type of anesthesia to be used, and the surgical procedure involved.
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Monitor vital signs regularly.
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The selection of preanesthetic medications should be based upon the needs of the individual patient.
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The neuromuscular blocking agent selected should be compatible with the patient's condition, taking into account the hemodynamic effects of a particular muscle relaxant and the degree of skeletal muscle relaxation required.
As with other potent opioids, the respiratory depressant effect of sufentanil may persist longer than the measured analgesic effect. The total dose of all opioid agonists administered should be considered by the practitioner before ordering opioid analgesics during recovery from anesthesia.
If Sufentanil Citrate Injection is administered with a CNS depressant, become familiar with the properties of each drug, particularly each product's duration of action. In addition, when such a combination is used, fluids and other countermeasures to manage hypotension should be available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
2.2 Intravenous use
Sufentanil Citrate may be administered intravenously by slow injection or infusion.
Adjunct to general anesthesia:
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Doses of up to 8 mcg/kg (see Table 1)
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Total Dosage Requirements of 1 mcg/kg/hr or less are recommended
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Dosage should be individualized and adjusted to remaining operative time anticipated.
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Total dosage |
Maintenance dosage |
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Duration of anesthesia 1 to 2 hours | |
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Incremental or Infusion: 1 to 2 mcg/kg Dosages in this range are generally administered with nitrous oxide/oxygen in patients undergoing general surgery in which endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are required. |
**Incremental: 10 to 25 mcg (0.2 to 0.5 mL)**may be administered in increments as needed when movement and/or changes in vital signs indicate surgical stress or lightening of analgesia. Supplemental dosages should be individualized and adjusted to remaining operative time anticipated. **Infusion:**Intermittent or continuous infusion as needed in response to signs of lightening of analgesia. In absence of signs of lightening of analgesia, infusion rates should always be adjusted downward until there is some response to surgical stimulation. Maintenance infusion rates should be adjusted based upon the induction dose of sufentanil so that the total dose does not exceed 1 mcg/kg/hr of expected surgical time. |
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Duration of anesthesia 2 to 8 hours | |
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Incremental or Infusion: 2 to 8 mcg/kg Dosages in this range are generally administered with nitrous oxide/oxygen in patients undergoing more complicated major surgical procedures in which endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are required. At dosages in this range, sufentanil has been shown to provide some attenuation of sympathetic reflex activity in response to surgical stimuli, provide hemodynamic stability, and provide relatively rapid recovery. |
**Incremental: 10 to 50 mcg (0.2 to 1 mL)**may be administered in increments as needed when movement and/or changes in vital signs indicate surgical stress or lightening of analgesia. Supplemental dosages should be individualized and adjusted to the remaining operative time anticipated. **Infusion:**Intermittent or continuous infusion as needed in response to signs of lightening of analgesia. In the absence of signs of lightening of analgesia, infusion rates should always be adjusted downward until there is some response to surgical stimulation. Maintenance infusion rates should be adjusted based upon the induction dose of sufentanil so that the total dose does not exceed 1 mcg/kg/hr of expected surgical time. |
Induction And Maintenance Of Anesthesia
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As the primary anesthetic agent: doses ≥8 mcg/kg (see Dosage Range Chart, Table 2).
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Dosage should be titrated to individual patient response
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In children less than 12 years of age undergoing cardiovascular surgery: 10 to 25 mcg/kg administered with 100% oxygen
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Supplemental dosages of up to 25 to 50 mcg are recommended for maintenance, based on response to initial dose and as determined by changes in vital signs indicating surgical stress or lightening of anesthesia.
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Incremental or Infusion: 8 to 30 mcg/kg Sufentanil with 100% oxygen and a muscle relaxant has been found to produce sleep at dosages ≥8 mcg/kg and to maintain a deep level of anesthesia without the use of additional anesthetic agents. The addition of N2O to these dosages will reduce systolic blood pressure. At dosages in this range of up to 25 mcg/kg, catecholamine release is attenuated. Dosages of 25 to 30 mcg/kg have been shown to block sympathetic response including catecholamine release. High doses are indicated in patients undergoing major surgical procedures, in which endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are required, such as cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery in the sitting position with maintenance of favorable myocardial and cerebral oxygen balance. Postoperative observation is essential and postoperative mechanical ventilation may be required at the higher dosage range due to extended postoperative respiratory depression. |
**Incremental:**Depending on the initial dose, maintenance doses of 0.5 to 10 mcg/kg may be administered by slow injection in anticipation of surgical stress such as incision, sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. **Infusion:**Sufentanil citrate may be administered by continuous or intermittent infusion as needed in response to signs of lightening of anesthesia. In the absence of lightening of anesthesia, infusion rates should always be adjusted downward until there is some response to surgical stimulation. The maintenance infusion rate for sufentanil should be based upon the induction dose so that the total dose for the procedure does not exceed 30 mcg/kg. |
2.3 Epidural Use in Labor and Delivery
Proper placement of the needle or catheter in the epidural space should be verified before sufentanil citrate is injected to assure that unintentional intravascular or intrathecal administration does not occur. Unintentional intravascular injection of sufentanil could result in a potentially serious overdose, including acute truncal muscular rigidity and apnea. Unintentional intrathecal injection of the full sufentanil, bupivacaine epidural doses and volume could produce effects of high spinal anesthesia including prolonged paralysis and delayed recovery.
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Sufentanil should be administered by slow injection. Respiration should be closely monitored following each administration of an epidural injection of sufentanil.
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If analgesia is inadequate, the placement and integrity of the catheter should be verified prior to the administration of any additional epidural medications.
Dosage for Labor and Delivery
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10 to 15 mcg administered with 10 mL bupivacaine 0.125% with or without epinephrine.
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Sufentanil and bupivacaine should be mixed together before administration.
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Doses can be repeated twice (for a total of three doses) at not less than one-hour intervals until delivery.
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION
Highlight: Solution for injection (sterile): eq. to 50 mcg/mL sufentanil base; 1 mL, 2 mL and 5 mL vials. (3)
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Sufentanil Citrate Injection, USP 50 mcg/mL (equivalent to 50 mcg/mL sufentanil base).
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION
Highlight: •
Hypersensitivity to sufentanil. (4)
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Sufentanil Citrate Injection is contraindicated in patients with:
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Hypersensitivity to sufentanil (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]
Boxed Warning section
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF SUFENTANIL CITRATE
INJECTION
DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION
Highlight: •
Concomitant Use of CNS Depressants: May decrease pulmonary arterial pressure and may cause hypotension. See FPI for management instructions. For post-operative pain, start with the lowest effective dosage and monitor for potentiation of CNS depressant effects. (5.3, 7)
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Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics: Avoid use with Sufentanil Citrate Injection because they may reduce analgesic effect of Sufentanil Citrate Injection or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. (7)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
Table 3 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Sufentanil Citrate Injection.
Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Sufentanil Citrate Injection|
Inhibitors of CYP3A4 | |
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Clinical Impact: |
The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of sufentanil, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of Sufentanil Citrate Injection is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the sufentanil plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to sufentanil. |
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Intervention: |
If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of Sufentanil Citrate Injection until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the Sufentanil Citrate Injection dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. |
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Examples: |
Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), grapefruit juice. |
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CYP3A4 Inducers | |
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Clinical Impact: |
The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of sufentanil [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to sufentanil [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the sufentanil plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions and may cause serious respiratory depression. |
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Intervention: |
If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the Sufentanil Citrate Injection dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider Sufentanil Citrate Injection dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression. |
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Examples: |
Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin |
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Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants | |
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Clinical Impact: |
The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection with CNS depressants my result in decreased pulmonary artery pressure and may cause hypotension. Even small dosages of diazepam may cause cardiovascular depression when added to high dose or anesthetic dosages of Sufentanil Citrate Injection. As postoperative analgesia, concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)]. |
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Intervention: |
As postoperative analgesia, start with a lower dose of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Fluids or other measures to counter hypotension should be available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. |
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Examples: |
Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol. |
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Serotonergic Drugs | |
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Clinical Impact: |
The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. |
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Intervention: |
If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue Sufentanil Citrate Injection if serotonin syndrome is suspected. |
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Examples: |
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). |
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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) | |
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Clinical Impact: |
MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. |
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Intervention: |
The use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. |
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Examples: |
phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid |
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Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics | |
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Clinical Impact: |
May reduce the analgesic effect of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. |
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Intervention: |
Avoid concomitant use. |
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Examples: |
butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine |
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Muscle Relaxants | |
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Clinical Impact: |
Sufentanil may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. |
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Intervention: |
Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. |
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Diuretics | |
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Clinical Impact: |
Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. |
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Intervention: |
Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. |
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Anticholinergic Drugs | |
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Clinical Impact: |
The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. |
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Intervention: |
Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when Sufentanil Citrate Injection is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. |
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Nitrous oxide | |
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Clinical Impact: |
Nitrous oxide has been reported to produce cardiovascular depression when given with higher doses of Sufentanil Citrate Injection. |
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Intervention: |
Monitor patients for signs of cardiovascular depression that may be greater than otherwise expected. |
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION
Highlight: Most common adverse reactions were apnea, rigidity, and bradycardia. (6)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hospira, Inc. at 1-800-441-4100 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:
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Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
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Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
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Skeletal Muscle Rigidity and Skeletal Muscle Movement [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
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Interactions with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
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Severe Cardiovascular Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
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Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
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Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
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Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
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Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Epidural Use in Labor and Delivery
Epidural sufentanil was tested in 340 patients in two (one single-center and one multicenter) double-blind, parallel studies. Doses ranged from 10 to 15 mcg sufentanil and were delivered in a 10 mL volume of 0.125% bupivacaine with and without epinephrine 1:200,000. In all cases sufentanil was administered following a dose of local anesthetic to test proper catheter placement. Since epidural opioids and local anesthetics potentiate each other, these results may not reflect the dose or efficacy of epidural sufentanil by itself.
Individual doses of 10 to 15 mcg sufentanil plus bupivacaine 0.125% with epinephrine provided analgesia during the first stage of labor with a duration of 1 to 2 hours. Onset was rapid (within 10 minutes). Subsequent doses (equal dose) tended to have shorter duration. Analgesia was profound (complete pain relief) in 80% to 100% of patients and a 25% incidence of pruritus was observed. The duration of initial doses of sufentanil plus bupivacaine with epinephrine is approximately 95 minutes, and of subsequent doses, 70 minutes.
There are insufficient data to critically evaluate neonatal neuromuscular and adaptive capacity following recommended doses of maternally administered epidural sufentanil with bupivacaine. However, if larger than recommended doses are used for combined local and systemic analgesia, e.g., after administration of a single dose of 50 mcg epidural sufentanil during delivery, then impaired neonatal adaption to sound and light can be detected for 1 to 4 hours and if a dose of 80 mcg is used impaired neuromuscular coordination can be detected for more than 4 hours.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of sufentanil. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life- threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.
Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.
Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Sufentanil Citrate Injection.
Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with use of opioids for an extended period of time [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
Hyperalgesia and Allodynia: Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Hypoglycemia: Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes).
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA
LAB-1124-10.0