Alfentanil (Injection)

Introduction:

Alfentanil (al-FEN-ta-nil)

Relaxes your muscles during surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Alfenta, Novaplus Alfentanil

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alfentanil or to other pain medicine such as morphine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using MAO inhibitors such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an antibiotic such as erythromycin (E-Mycin®, Ery Tab®, Biaxin®), or ulcer medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have brain injury, lung disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, or agitation.
  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Stiffness in the muscles of your neck, chest, hands, or legs.
  • Trouble breathing, or chest tightness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Headache.
  • Mild skin rash or itching.
  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
  • Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control.
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