Fentanyl: Clinical Utility, Precautions, and Special Populations

Course overview

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is reserved for use in general anesthesia induction/maintenance and severe pain in patients who are opioid-tolerant. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are among the most common drugs associated with death secondary to overdose, as fentanyl is approximately 50 and 100 times more potent than heroin and morphine, respectively. With such a narrow therapeutic window, the use of fentanyl is deemed high risk, and early recognition of overdose is essential in practice. Opioid overdose education and distribution of intranasal naloxone to laypersons and law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel are intended to promote recognition of opioid overdose and quick intervention.