Alfentanil (Alfentanil Hydrochloride) - Drug Interactions, Contraindications, Overdosage, etc

DRUG INTERACTIONS

ALFENTANIL drug label information in our database does not contain a dedicated section on drug interactions. Please check subsections of WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS as well as other sources.

OVERDOSAGE

Overdosage would be manifested by extension of the pharmacological actions of alfentanil (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) as with other potent opioid analgesics. No experience of overdosage with alfentanil was reported during clinical trials. The intravenous LD₅₀ of alfentanil is 43-51 mg/kg in rats, 72-74 mg/kg in mice, 72-82 mg/kg in guinea pigs and 60-88 mg/kg in dogs. Intravenous administration of an opioid antagonist such as naloxone should be employed as a specific antidote to manage respiratory depression.

The duration of respiratory depression following overdosage with alfentanil may be longer than the duration of action of the opioid antagonist. Administration of an opioid antagonist should not preclude immediate establishment of a patent airway, administration of oxygen, and assisted or controlled ventilation as indicated for hypoventilation or apnea. If respiratory depression is associated with muscular rigidity, a neuromuscular blocking agent may be required to facilitate assisted or controlled ventilation. Intravenous fluids and vasoactive agents may be required to manage hemodynamic instability.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Alfentanil is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or known intolerance to other opioid agonists.

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

Alfentanil is a Schedule II controlled drug substance that can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and therefore has the potential for being abused.

Opioid analgesics have been associated with abuse and dependence in health care providers and others with ready access to such drugs. Alfentanil should be handled accordingly.