Fentanyl: Misuse and Toxicity

Course overview

Fentanyl and fentanyl analogue use has increased significantly in the past ten years due to the use of illegal forms of fentanyl, and consumption of these drugs is a primary contributor to the current U.S., opioid crisis. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is widely available on the street. Fentanyl is a relatively common adulterant in heroin, and unfortunately, some of the beneficial pharmacologic properties of fentanyl, such as rapid onset of action and its high strength relative to other opioids also make it very dangerous when it is used inappropriately. Because of the relatively common occurrence of fentanyl use and the potential consequences of fentanyl intoxication, health clinicians need in-depth information about fentanyl.