Alfentanil

(al FEN ta nil)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

• Analgesic, Opioid
• Anilidopiperidine Opioid

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to alfentanil or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to put your child to sleep for surgery.
• This medicine is used to relieve pain.

How does this medicine work?

• Alfentanil binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. It decreases the feeling of pain and a person's response to pain.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
• This medicine is given into a vein constantly for a period of time.
• A shot may be given into the spinal fluid.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this medicine.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• If your child has lung disease, talk with healthcare provider. He/she may be more sensitive to this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Have your child avoid tasks or activities that require alertness or clear vision until you see how this medicine affects him/her.
• Feeling dizzy. Rising slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position is recommended. Children should be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Your child will be monitored closely by healthcare provider.
• For the occurrence of side effects.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child shows signs of severe dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has difficulty breathing.
• If your child has poor pain control.
• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.
• If your child has severe constipation.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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