Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
SUFENTANIL - INJECTION
(sue-FEN-tuh-nill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sufenta
WARNING: If used during labor and delivery: When injected into the spine (epidural), verify the needle is placed correctly. If not placed correctly, overdose or prolonged anesthesia may occur. Do not use more than 3 total doses. Each dose must be at least one hour apart.
Uses
This medication is a narcotic pain reliever. It is used in anesthesia to relieve the pain of surgery and medical procedures.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into a muscle or a vein by a health care provider. How much and how often you receive this drug is based on your condition and response to treatment. Use only as directed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well as it did at the beginning. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
Side Effects
This medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, coordination problems, a floating feeling, headache, nausea or vomiting. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: muscle stiffness, tremors, an unusually slow, rapid or irregular pulse, hallucinations, breathing trouble (including slow or shallow breathing), seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing (usually wheezing). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, lung diseases or breathing disorders, head injury, drug or alcohol dependency. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) since this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcohol intake since it may aggravate drug side effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), blood pressure drugs, other narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), tranquilizers, sleeping pills, sedatives, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti- anxiety drugs, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, cimetidine. Check all labels for any drug products you use, since some contain medicine that can make you drowsy (such as cough-and-cold products). Consult your pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include convulsions, trouble breathing, small pupils, unconscious; cold and clammy skin; dizziness, or irregular heartbeat.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children. Your condition and response to this drug will be closely monitored with medical/laboratory tests.
Missed Dose
This medication is only given as needed.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
