Sufentanil

Products

Sufentanil is commercially available as a solution for injection (Sufenta, generic). It was developed in the 1970s and has been approved in many countries since 1994. Sublingual tablets for pain management are also available in some countries (Dzuveo, Zalviso).

Structure and properties

Sufentanil (C22H30N2O2S, Mr = 386.6 g/mol) is present in drugs as sufentanil citrate, a white powder that is soluble in water. It is a 4-anilidopiperidine containing a thiophene ring. Sufentanil is a derivative of fentanyl, to which it is closely structurally related.

Effects

Sufentanil (ATC N01AH03) has analgesic, depressant, and anesthetic properties. The opioid is up to ten times more potent than fentanyl. The effects are due to binding to μ-opioid receptors. The half-life is between two to three hours.

Indications

Sufentanil is used for the prevention and treatment of pain and as an anesthetic in operative (surgical), orthopedic, and gynecologic procedures.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drugs are administered epidurally, intravenously, and sublingually.

Abuse

Sufentanil can be abused as a depressant and psychotropic intoxicant.

Contraindications

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

Sufentanil is a substrate of CYP3A4 and has a corresponding potential for interaction. Centrally depressant drugs may potentiate adverse effects.

Adverse effects

The most common potential adverse effects include:

Like other opioids, sufentanil can cause dose-related respiratory depression.