Fentanyl
Brand: Duragesic
Boxed warning · ISMP high-alert drug
Addiction, abuse, and misuse; life-threatening respiratory depression; profound sedation and death with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome with prolonged use in pregnancy. Also accidental exposure (a new or used patch can kill a child or pet) and CYP3A4 interactions; not for opioid-naive patients or acute pain.
- Caution
- Heat (fever, heating pads, hot baths) speeds absorption from the patch and can cause overdose.
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged use in pregnancy causes neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (boxed).
Common side effects
- Slowed breathing
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Confusion
Key interactions
- Benzodiazepines: profound sedation, respiratory depression, and death (boxed warning)
- Alcohol increases overdose risk
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (some antifungals, macrolides, ritonavir) raise fentanyl levels; inducers lower them
- Additive effect with other CNS depressants
Counseling points
- Apply patch to clean, dry, intact skin
- Do not cut the patch or use heat on it
- Keep away from children and pets
- Do not drink alcohol
- Fold and dispose of used patches safely
We ask 13 questions about Fentanyl.Practice Fentanyl →Test yourself on medications like Fentanyl.Practice Medications →
High-yield study aid for exam prep, not a substitute for the package insert or a pharmacist’s dispensing reference.