Remifentanil

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Remifentanil

Remifentanil (pronounced: rem-i-fen-ta-nil) is a potent, short-acting synthetic opioid analgesic drug. It is used for sedation as well as combined with other medications for use in general anesthesia. The rapid onset and short duration of effect of remifentanil is advantageous in many clinical settings.

Etymology

The term "Remifentanil" is derived from the Latin words 'remis' meaning 'again' and 'fentanyl', which is a powerful synthetic opioid used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anesthesia.

Pharmacology

Remifentanil is a specific mu-opioid receptor agonist. Hence, it causes reduction in pain sensation, sedation and decrease in respiratory rate. It is metabolized by plasma esterases and hence, has a rapid onset and offset of action.

Clinical Uses

Remifentanil is used in the intensive care unit for sedation and as an adjunct to general anesthesia in surgical procedures. It is also used in procedures where rapid recovery is required.

Side Effects

Common side effects of remifentanil include bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory depression. It can also cause muscle rigidity and slow bowel movement.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski