Opioid Analgesic (Short-Acting — Perioperative)

Fentanyl (Perioperative Analgesia)

Brand names: Sublimaze (IV), Durogesic (patch)

Fentanyl is a potent short-acting synthetic opioid used perioperatively for analgesia and to blunt the stress response at induction and during surgery.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a strong mu-opioid receptor agonist, producing rapid-onset analgesia and dose-dependent respiratory depression.

Prescribing in practice

It causes dose-dependent respiratory depression that may outlast its analgesic effect and can recur, so titrate carefully, ensure airway and ventilatory support, and have naloxone available.
Rapid or high-dose administration can cause bradycardia and chest-wall (truncal) rigidity impairing ventilation.
Effects are potentiated by other CNS depressants and benzodiazepines, increasing the risk of profound sedation.

Monitoring

Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, sedation level and haemodynamics during and after administration.

Counselling the patient

You may feel very drowsy and your breathing will be monitored closely.
Report any breathing difficulty or excessive sleepiness in recovery.

Evidence & guidelines

Perioperative use is established through its licensed anaesthetic indications and long-standing clinical practice.

Reference: RCoA Acute Pain Handbook; ANZCA Opioid Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways