Side Effects of fentanyl: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies

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This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of fentanyl: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major research findings

Fentanyl, compared to morphine, has a smaller effect on blood pressure, less vomiting, but stronger respiratory depression and euphoria at equianalgesic doses. 13

Fentanyl, when used with morphine, shows effectiveness for acute and chronic pain after thoracic surgery, but detailed analysis is needed for side effects. 18

Fentanyl is effective for pain relief after cesarean section, and compared with morphine, it has fewer side effects such as respiratory depression and vomiting, and higher patient satisfaction. 8

A small preoperative dose of fentanyl can predict analgesic efficacy and incidence of side effects from postoperative fentanyl. 20

In elderly people, smoking and alcohol consumption habits may affect the occurrence of side effects and the required dosage of fentanyl. 21

Reasons for side effects

Fentanyl, like morphine, is an opioid analgesic that can cause side effects such as respiratory depression, vomiting, and euphoria. These side effects are thought to be caused by fentanyl acting on the central nervous system and stimulating the respiratory center, the vomiting center, and the pleasure center. 13

Common side effects

Respiratory depression

Fentanyl, like morphine, can cause respiratory depression. 13 , 5 , 19

Vomiting

Fentanyl, compared to morphine, has less vomiting, but it can occur as a side effect. 13 , 4 , 5

Euphoria

Fentanyl, compared to morphine, is more likely to cause euphoria. 13

Drowsiness

Fentanyl, like morphine, can cause side effects such as drowsiness. 5 , 20

Itching

Fentanyl, like morphine, can cause side effects such as itching. 5 , 4

Constipation

Fentanyl, like morphine, can cause side effects such as constipation. 22

Fever

Fentanyl can cause side effects such as fever. 17

Rash

Fentanyl can cause side effects such as rash.

Difficulty breathing

Fentanyl can cause side effects such as difficulty breathing. 1

Countermeasures for side effects

Respiratory depression

Respiratory depression caused by fentanyl can be addressed by monitoring respiratory function and providing adequate oxygen supply. 13

Vomiting

Vomiting caused by fentanyl can be addressed by administering antiemetics. 4

Drowsiness

Drowsiness caused by fentanyl should be addressed by providing a safe environment for the patient to rest. 5

Itching

Itching caused by fentanyl can be addressed by administering antihistamines. 4

Constipation

Constipation caused by fentanyl can be addressed by staying hydrated and increasing fiber intake. 22

Fever

Fever caused by fentanyl can be addressed by administering antipyretics. 17

Rash

Rash caused by fentanyl can be addressed by administering topical medications such as steroid creams.

Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing caused by fentanyl can be addressed by providing adequate oxygen supply or mechanical ventilation. 1

Comparison between studies

Common points of studies

Several studies have shown that fentanyl has less vomiting and stronger euphoria compared with morphine. 13 , 4

Differences between studies

There is variability in the incidence and severity of respiratory depression caused by fentanyl across studies. 13 , 4 , 5 , 19

Precautions for application in real life

Fentanyl has strong analgesic effects, but it also carries the risk of side effects such as respiratory depression. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the doctor's instructions and be aware of side effects when using fentanyl. 13

Also, dependence and tolerance can occur due to the use of fentanyl. 1

Fentanyl should be used with caution in specific patients, such as elderly individuals or those with respiratory, liver, or kidney disease. 21

Limitations of current research

Research on the side effects of fentanyl is still insufficient, and further research is needed. 1

In particular, further research is needed on the long-term effects of fentanyl, the incidence of side effects in specific patients, and countermeasures. 21

Directions for future research

Research on the side effects of fentanyl should investigate the long-term effects, the incidence of side effects in specific patients, and countermeasures. 1 , 21

Development of new drugs and treatments to reduce the side effects of fentanyl is also anticipated. 3

Conclusion

Fentanyl has strong analgesic effects, but it also carries the risk of side effects such as respiratory depression. It is important to strictly follow the doctor's instructions and be aware of side effects when using fentanyl. 13

Research on the side effects of fentanyl is still insufficient, and further research is needed. 1

Literature analysis of 22 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
3
Negative Content
3
Article Type
8
2
1
1
22
1.

An evidence based systematic review of remifentanil associated opioid-induced hyperalgesia.

Author: RivosecchiRyan M, RiceMark J, SmithburgerPamela L, BuckleyMitchell S, CoonsJames C, Kane-GillSandra L

Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
Respiratory depression

Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a concerning side effect of therapeutic opioid use. While opioids are known for their effects on bradycardia and respiratory depression, OIH remains an area of active research to better understand its mechanisms and management.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

2.

Quality of life and cancer pain: satisfaction and side effects with transdermal fentanyl versus oral morphine.

Author: PayneR, MathiasS D, PastaD J, WankeL A, WilliamsR, MahmoudR

Pain relief
Side effects

Transdermal fentanyl and sustained-release oral morphine are both effective for pain management in patients with advanced cancer. There were no significant differences in pain-related treatment satisfaction, side effects, functioning, and well-being between the two groups.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Side effects during continuous epidural infusion of morphine and fentanyl.

Author: WhiteM J, BerghausenE J, DumontS W, TsuedaK, SchroederJ A, VogelR L, HeineM F, HuangK C

Pain relief
Nausea
Respiratory effects
Somnolence

Continuous epidural fentanyl infusion was associated with less respiratory depression and nausea than continuous epidural morphine infusion in patients following hip or knee replacement surgery.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

8.

A comparative study of post operative analgesia, side effects profile and patient satisfaction using intrathecal fentanyl with and without morphine 0.1 mg in caesarean section.

Author: SawiWirzafeldi, ChoyY C

Improved satisfaction
Reduced pain
Nausea
Pruritus
Vomiting

Intrathecal fentanyl with morphine resulted in a lower pain score, a higher incidence of side effects, and better overall patient satisfaction compared to intrathecal fentanyl alone.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

[Comparative clinical study of nalbuphine and fentanyl. Effects and side effects with special reference to the induction phase].

Author: DudaD, MüllerH, BrandtL

Long-lasting analgesia
Sedation
Hemodynamic reactions

Nalbuphine-HCl (NAL) was found to cause adrenergic sympathetic hemodynamic and autonomic reactions immediately after injection in 20 patients, making it less effective than fentanyl (FE) in preventing these reactions during intubation.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : German

11.

Effects of anesthetic technique on side effects associated with fentanyl Oralet premedication.

Author: MalviyaS, Voepel-LewisT, HuntingtonJ, SiewertM, GreenW

Effective sedation
Adverse events
Significant PONV

Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) was effective in producing sedation and facilitating cooperation with induction, but was associated with significant postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Epidural fentanyl, adrenaline and clonidine as adjuvants to local anaesthetics for surgical analgesia: meta-analyses of analgesia and side-effects.

Author: CuratoloM, Petersen-FelixS, ScaramozzinoP, ZbindenA M

Mild side effects
Reduced pain
Safe
Pruritus
Sedation

This meta-analysis of 18 trials found that adding fentanyl to local anaesthetics for intraoperative epidural analgesia is safe and advantageous, with a significant reduction in pain during surgery and mild side-effects. The analysis suggests that more research is needed on the role of adrenaline and clonidine as epidural adjuvants for surgical analgesia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.

Language : English

13.

[Comparison between the side-effects of fentanyl and morphine in conscious man (author's transl)].

Author: CathelinM, VignesR, MalkiA, ViarsP

Euphoria
Intense analgesia
Less vomiting
Drop in ventilation
Hypotension

This study compared the side-effects of fentanyl citrate and morphine chlorhydrate in patients with facial or trigeminal nerve pain. Both drugs showed similar sedation and frequency of vomiting, but fentanyl induced more euphoria and a more pronounced drop in ventilation than morphine. Importantly, morphine induced significant hypotension, while fentanyl had minimal cardiovascular effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : French

14.

Analgesia and side effects of the addition of 10 or 20 µg fentanyl to articaine in spinal anesthesia for knee arthroscopy: a randomized and observer-blinded study.

Author: StenmanPaula, SalonenMerja, TarkkilaPekka, RosenbergPer

Analgesia
Side Effects

This study evaluated the dose-dependency of analgesia and side effects associated with intrathecal fentanyl additive to articaine for spinal anesthesia in knee arthroscopy patients. Articaine is a local anesthetic commonly used in dentistry, while fentanyl is an opioid analgesic.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

15.

Combined spinal epidural for labour analgesia--duration, efficacy and side effects of adding sufentanil or fentanyl to bupivacaine intrathecally vs plain bupivacaine.

Author: LoW K, ChongJ L, ChenL H

Faster onset
Longer analgesia
Pruritus

Adding sufentanil 10 micrograms to intrathecal bupivacaine 2.5 mg provided faster onset and longer-lasting analgesia for labor pain relief than fentanyl or plain bupivacaine. Pruritus was a significant side effect.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

16.

Diurnal variation in fentanyl-induced hormone responses and side effects.

Author: FrecskaE, AratoM, BankiC M, BagdyG, PerenyiA, MohariK, FeketeM I

Fentanyl, an opioid agonist, produced a significant increase in prolactin and thyrotropin secretion in healthy women. The response was higher in the evening than in the morning, suggesting a diurnal variation in opioid responsiveness.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

Effects of intravenous ketorolac and fentanyl combined with midazolam on analgesia and side effects during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Author: YangChih-Ping, CherngChen-Hwan, WongChih-Shung, HoShung-Tai

Treat pain
Side effects

Intravenous ketorolac and intravenous fentanyl, both combined with midazolam, are effective analgesics for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Further research is needed to compare their analgesic and side effect profiles.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

18.

Impact of fentanyl on acute and chronic pain and its side effects when used with epidural analgesia after thoracic surgery in multimodal analgesia: a retrospective cohort study.

Author: MiyoshiHirotsugu, NakamuraRyuji, KidoHiroyuki, NarasakiSoushi, WatanabeTomoyuki, YokotaMayuko, IshiiTomomi, KatoTakahiro, SaekiNoboru, TsutsumiYasuo M

Pain reduction
Hypotension
Pruritus

Adding fentanyl to epidural anesthesia reduced acute pain but increased the incidence of hypotension and pruritus. It did not affect the incidence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

[Side Effects of Continuous Fentanyl Infusion for Postoperative Pain Relief in Children].

Author: KabaraShizuko, KagawaTetsuro, IkejimaNoriyuki, TakatsujiSaeko, SuedaAya

Postoperative pain relief
Side effects in children

Continuous fentanyl infusion for postoperative pain relief in children can result in side effects, including respiratory depression, sedation, and nausea.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Japanese

20.

A small preoperative test dose of intravenous fentanyl can predict subsequent analgesic efficacy and incidence of side effects in patients due to receive epidural fentanyl.

Author: UetaKazuyoshi, TakedaKiyoshi, OhsumiHisatoshi, HarunaJunichi, ShibuyaHiromi, MashimoTakashi

Pain relief
Side effects

The ability of a small test dose of intravenous fentanyl to predict the analgesic efficacy of postoperative epidural fentanyl and the incidence and severity of side effects was evaluated.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

21.

The effect of population habits on side effects and narcotic requirements during high-dose fentanyl anaesthesia.

Author: StanleyT H, de LangeS

Reduced chest wall rigidity
Reduced hypertension
Chest wall rigidity
Hypertension

Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption may increase the incidence of chest wall rigidity and intraoperative hypertension during high-dose fentanyl anaesthesia. However, adjustments in anaesthetic technique can minimize these side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Prospective sonographic evaluation of fentanyl side effects on the neonatal gallbladder.

Author: SchmidtBeate, RothBernhard, StützerHartmut, Benz-BohmGabriele

Opioids cause constipation
Opioids increase biliary pressure

This study evaluated the impact of continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl on the volume of the neonatal gallbladder and to assess potential gastrointestinal side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

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