Remifentanil

Remifentanil

Remifentanil

What is Remifentanil?

Remifentanil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Remifentanil side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Opioid medications can slow or stop your breathing and cause death. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if your breathing is slow and takes long pauses, your lips are blue, or you have difficulty waking up.

Your caregivers will monitor for any side effects, such as:

• shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep;

• fast or slow heart rate;

• Sore muscles;

• low blood pressure (severe weakness, dizziness); or

• Serotonin syndrome – restlessness, hallucinations, fever, fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, diarrhea.

Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and in people with debilitation, wasting syndrome, or chronic breathing problems.

Common side effects of remifentanil may include:

• slow breathing;

• slow heart rate;

• muscle stiffness; or

• low blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Abusing opioids can lead to addiction, overdose or death.`

Before you take this medicine

You should not be treated with remifentanil if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems, sleep apnea;

• a head injury, brain tumor, or seizure;

• problems with your gallbladder or pancreas;

• alcoholism or drug addiction;

• if you have recently taken alcohol, tranquilizers, sedatives, or other opioid medications; or

• if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Taking remifentanil during late pregnancy may cause side effects in the newborn.including severe drowsiness and breathing problems. Your baby's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels and other vital signs will be closely monitored.

If you are breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using opioids.Tell your doctor if you notice severe sleepiness or slow breathing in a breastfed baby.

How is remifentanil administered?

Abusing opioids can lead to addiction, overdose or death.

Remifentanil is injected into a vein by a doctor.

Remifentanil is usually administered through an IV connected to a pump that releases the correct dose of medication to provide continued pain relief during and after surgery.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be closely monitored.

You may be given other painkillers after you stop taking Remifentanil. Take these medicines for as long as your doctor tells you.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

A remifentanil overdose can be fatal.Symptoms of overdose may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe sleepiness, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, small pupils, and fainting.

In the medical field, an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after taking Remifentanil?

Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery.Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving and dangerous activities until you know how remifentanil affects you. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents or serious injury.

What other drugs affect remifentanil?

Many other medications can be dangerous when combined with opioid medications.Tell your doctor if you also use:

• other opioid medications;

• a benzodiazepine sedative such as Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax;

• sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or other medications that make you sleepy; or

• Medications that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or medications for migraines or Parkinson's disease.

This list is not complete. Many medications can affect remifentanil, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.