Fentanyl (Fentanyl Citrate) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS

As with other narcotic analgesics, the most common serious adverse reactions reported to occur with fentanyl are respiratory depression, apnea, rigidity, and bradycardia; if these remain untreated, respiratory arrest, circulatory depression or cardiac arrest could occur. Other adverse reactions that have been reported are hypertension, hypotension, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, emesis, laryngospasm, and diaphoresis.

It has been reported that secondary rebound respiratory depression may occasionally occur postoperatively. Patients should be monitored for this possibility and appropriate countermeasures taken as necessary.

When a tranquilizer such as droperidol is used with fentanyl citrate, the following adverse reactions can occur: chills and/or shivering, restlessness, and postoperative hallucinatory episodes (sometimes associated with transient periods of mental depression); extrapyramidal symptoms (dystonia, akathisia, and oculogyric crisis) have been observed up to 24 hours postoperatively. When they occur, extrapyramidal symptoms can usually be controlled with antiparkinson agents. Postoperative drowsiness is also frequently reported following the use of droperidol.

REPORTS OF SUSPECTED FENTANYL SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS

Possible Fentanyl side effects / adverse reactions in 61 year old female

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from United Kingdom on 2011-10-03

Patient: 61 year old female weighing 78.0 kg (171.6 pounds)

Reactions: Hypoventilation, Tachycardia, Anaphylactic Reaction, Ventricular Fibrillation

Adverse event resulted in: life threatening event, hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium
    Dosage: 1.2 g, unk
    Indication: Prophylaxis
    Start date: 2011-09-15

Rocuronium Bromide
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Neuromuscular Blockade
    Start date: 2011-09-15

Propofol
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Induction of Anaesthesia
    Start date: 2011-09-15

Fentanyl
    Indication: Induction of Anaesthesia

Other drugs received by patient: Acetaminophen; Ibuprofen; Morphine Sulfate

Possible Fentanyl side effects / adverse reactions in 49 year old female

Reported by a consumer/non-health professional from United States on 2011-10-04

Patient: 49 year old female weighing 49.4 kg (108.8 pounds)

Reactions: Product Quality Issue, Pain, Abasia, Intentional Drug Misuse, Treatment Noncompliance, Malaise, Hot Flush, Insomnia, Withdrawal Syndrome

Suspect drug(s):
Duragesic-100
    Dosage: 100 ug/hr + 25 ug/hr =125 ug/hr
    Indication: Fibromyalgia
    End date: 2011-08-01

Fentanyl
    Indication: Fibromyalgia
    Start date: 2011-08-01
    End date: 2011-08-01

Other drugs received by patient: Premarin; Pain Medication (Unknown)

Possible Fentanyl side effects / adverse reactions in 45 year old female

Reported by a consumer/non-health professional from United States on 2011-10-04

Patient: 45 year old female weighing 73.5 kg (161.7 pounds)

Reactions: Weight Decreased, Dysphoria, Wrong Technique in Drug Usage Process, Pain, Product Adhesion Issue, Hyperhidrosis, Gastritis, Abdominal Discomfort, Malaise, Neck Pain, Ileus, Gallbladder Disorder, Stress Ulcer, Blood Glucose Increased, Back Pain, Vomiting, Dyspnoea, Chest Discomfort, Nausea, Urinary Tract Infection, Skin Disorder, Hepatic Enzyme Increased, Diarrhoea, NO Therapeutic Response, Application Site Ulcer, Asthenia

Suspect drug(s):
Fentanyl
    Indication: Pain

Fentanyl-75
    Indication: Pain

Fentanyl
    Indication: Pain

Nucynta
    Dosage: 50 mg;tid
    Start date: 2010-06-22
    End date: 2010-06-24

Other drugs received by patient: Prilosec; Lyrica; Milk OF Magnesia TAB; Dicyclomine; Glucophage; Promethazine; Humulin R; Xanax; Oxycontin; Ciprofloxacin; Ortho TRI-Cyclen; Paxil; Humulin N; Lisinopril; Enablex; Valtrex; Januvia; Diflucan