fentanyl
Pronunciation: FEN-ta-nil
A potent synthetic opioid analgesic approximately 100 times more potent than morphine on a weight basis, used in dental anesthesiology for intraoperative analgesia as a component of balanced sedation or general anesthesia.
Full Definition
Fentanyl acts as a full agonist at μ-opioid receptors and is used in dental anesthesiology to supplement sedation protocols and blunt the haemodynamic response to painful stimuli. Its high lipophilicity allows rapid CNS penetration, and clinical effect typically occurs within two to three minutes of intravenous administration. At higher doses, fentanyl can cause chest wall rigidity ('wooden chest syndrome') and dose-dependent respiratory depression, making patient monitoring essential. Editors must note the correct spelling 'fentanyl' (not 'fentanl', 'fentanill', or 'phentanyl') and must not confuse it with the brand name Sublimaze or with related compounds such as alfentanil and sufentanil.
Usage
Usage note: Correct spelling is 'fentanyl'—a frequent misspelling is 'fentanl' or 'fentanil'. Do not use brand name Sublimaze in generic formulary documents. Always specify dose in micrograms (mcg or μg), not milligrams.
In Context
- "Fentanyl 1 mcg/kg IV was administered three minutes before local anaesthetic injection to reduce procedural discomfort." — IV sedation case summary
- "The manuscript incorrectly listed the dose in milligrams; fentanyl doses in clinical practice are expressed in micrograms." — Peer-review editorial comment