remifentanil

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Pronunciation: rem i FEN ta nil

Brand: Ultiva

What is the most important information I should know about remifentanil?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fentanyl (Abstral, Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Lazanda, Subsys, and others).

What is remifentanil?

Remifentanil is an opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Remifentanil is used to treat or prevent pain after surgery or other medical procedure.

Remifentanil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive remifentanil?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to remifentanil or fentanyl (Abstral, Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Lazanda, Subsys, and others).

To make sure remifentanil is safe for you, tell your doctor:

  • if you have any type of breathing problem or lung disease; or
  • if you use a sedative like Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether remifentanil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is remifentanil given?

Remifentanil is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection as part of the anesthesia given for your surgery or medical procedure.

Remifentanil is usually given slowly through an IV infusion connected to pump that will release the correct dose of the medication to provide continuous pain relief during and after your surgery.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving remifentanil.

You may be given other pain medications to use after your remifentanil treatment is discontinued.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since remifentanil is given as needed by a healthcare professional for only a short time, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving remifentanil?

Remifentanil can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You should not plan on driving or doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert right after you are treated with this medication. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any other restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of remifentanil?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your caregivers will watch for any side effects you have, which may clear up within minutes after stopping the remifentanil infusion or decreasing the dose:

  • weak or shallow breathing;
  • fast or slow heart rate;
  • stiff muscles; or
  • severe weakness, feeling light-headed or fainting.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting;
  • shivering;
  • dizziness, vision problems;
  • itching, sweating; or
  • fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect remifentanil?

Other drugs may interact with remifentanil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about remifentanil.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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