Alfentanil (Item)

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Alfentanil

Found in:  

Fentanyl

Type/Reason added:  

Fentanyl analog,

Opioid effects

Relative Potency:  

analgesic potency:

72 times stronger than morphine, 10-20% potency of fentanyl (12)

Overview

The Effects

Treatment Options

Description and Classification

Alfentanil:

A synthetic opioid analgesic that belongs to the fentanyl family of drugs. It is used primarily for pain management and as an anesthetic during surgeries due to its fast onset and short duration of action.

Relative Potency

Potency:

Alfentanil is approximately 10-20% as potent as fentanyl but still around 70 times more potent than morphine. Its rapid onset and short duration make it useful in medical procedures where quick recovery from sedation is needed.

Purpose

Why It Is Added

Alfentanil is added in medical settings for short-term pain relief, especially during surgeries or procedures requiring rapid onset and controlled sedation. In illicit settings, it may be used to mimic or enhance opioid effects, but this is less common than other fentanyl analogs.