Alfentanil Injection

What is this medication?

ALFENTANIL (al FEN ta nil) causes drowsiness before and during a procedure. It also treats pain. It works by blocking pain signals in the brain, so you do not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. It belongs to a group of medications called opioids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alfenta

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Brain tumor
• Gallbladder disease
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Head injury
• Heart disease
• History of substance use disorder
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• Lung disease
• Pancreatitis
• Seizures
• Slow heartbeat
• An unusual or allergic reaction to alfentanil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected or infused into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Olanzapine; Samidorphan
• Safinamide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam
• Buprenorphine
• Butorphanol
• Certain antihistamines
• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
• Certain medications for migraine, such as almotriptan or sumatriptan
• Certain medications for nausea, such as dolasetron or ondansetron
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
• Linezolid
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications that help you fall asleep
• Medications that relax muscles
• Methylene blue
• Mirtazapine
• Nalbuphine
• Other medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
• Other opioids for pain or cough
• Pentazocine
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• SNRIs, medications for depression, such as desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, venlafaxine
• SSRIs, medications for depression, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline
• Tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

Taking this medication with other substances that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids can cause serious side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Talk to your care team if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. If you breastfeed while taking this medication, seek medical care right away if you notice the child has slow or noisy breathing, is unusually sleepy or not able to wake up, or is limp.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Muscle stiffness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.