remifentanil

remifentanil /rem·i·fen·ta·nil/ (rem″ĭ-fen´tah-nil) an opioid analgesic used as the hydrochloride salt as an anesthesia adjunct.

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remifentanil,

an opiate agonist analgesic.

indications It is used in combination with other drugs in general anesthesia and as a primary anesthetic in general surgery.

contraindications Use is prohibited in people with hypersensitivity to remifentanil and in children less than 12 years of age.

adverse effects Life-threatening effects are asystole, respiratory depression, and apnea. Other adverse effects include drowsiness, confusion, sedation, euphoria, delirium, agitation, anxiety, anorexia, constipation, cramps, dry mouth, urinary retention, dysuria, rash, urticaria, bruising, flushing, diaphoresis, pruritus, tinnitus, blurred vision, miosis, diplopia, palpitations, change in blood pressure, facial flushing, syncope, and rigidity. Common side effects are dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia.

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analgesic [an″al-je´zik]

1. relieving pain.

2. pertaining to analgesia.

3. an agent that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.

narcotic analgesic opioid analgesic.

nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesic (NSAIA) nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug.

opiate analgesic (opioid analgesic) any of a class of compounds that bind with a number of closely related specific receptors (opioid receptors) in the central nervous system to block the perception of pain or affect the emotional response to pain; such compounds include opium and its derivatives, as well as a number of synthetic compounds, and are used for moderate to severe pain. Chronic administration or abuse may lead to dependence.

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remifentanil

a fentanyl derivative; a μ agonist.

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remifentanil

Ultiva^® Anesthesiology An opioid anesthetic that is 250-fold more potent than morphine. See Opioid anesthetic. Cf Muscle relaxant.