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Pronunciation

FEN-ta-nil

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: opioid analgesics

Pharmacologic Classification: opioid agonists

Indications

High Alert


Action

  • Binds to opioid receptors in the CNS, altering the response to and perception of pain.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Decrease in severity of breakthrough pain.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Buccal tablet: 65% absorbed from buccal mucosa; 50% is absorbed transmucosally; remainder is swallowed and is absorbed slowly from the GI tract. Buccal absorption is enhanced by an effervescent reaction in the dose form; Transmucosal lozenge: Initial rapid absorption (25%) from buccal mucosa is followed by more prolonged absorption (25%) from GI tract (combined bioavailability 50%).

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized in the liver and intestinal mucosa via the CYP3A4 isoenzyme; inactive metabolites are excreted in urine; <7% excreted unchanged in urine.

Half-Life: Buccal tablet: 2.6–11.7 hr ( with dose); Transmucosal lozenge: 7 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(analgesia)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
Buccal tablet15 min40–60 min60 min
Transmucosal lozengerapid15–30 minseveral hr





Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

fentaNYL (buccal tablet): Fentora,

fentaNYL (oral transmucosal lozenge): Actiq

Contr. Subst. Schedule

Schedule II (C-II)