Remifentanil B. Braun
Remifentanil B. Braun is a fast-acting opioid medicine used to relieve pain during or before operations, or for pain relief while on a ventilator in intensive care.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will decide your dose based on your weight, age, health, and the procedure you are having. For adults, the typical infusion rate is 0.1–2 micrograms per kg per minute. For elderly patients, the starting dose is usually lower. For children (1-12 years), the typical infusion rate is 0.05–1.3 micrograms per kg per minute, but it can be up to 3 micrograms per kg per minute.
Method
This medicine is given by a doctor or trained healthcare professional as an injection or infusion directly into a vein. You will never give this medicine to yourself.
This medicine is given as a continuous infusion, and your doctor will adjust the dose as needed. There is no fixed maximum daily dose.
Possible Side Effects
- •Breathing stops (apnea)
- •Muscle stiffness
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Low blood pressure
- •Slow heart rate
- •Shallow breathing
- •Itching
- •Chills after operation
- •High blood pressure after operation
- •Cough
- •Constipation
- •Pain after operation
- •Lack of oxygen (respiratory failure)
- •Sleepiness (during recovery from procedure)
- •Severe allergic reactions (including shock, circulation problems, and heart attack)
- •Slow heart rate leading to heart block
- •Seizures
- •Heart conduction problems (atrial-ventricular block)
- •Drug tolerance (medicine works less well over time)
- •Withdrawal syndrome (symptoms can include fast heart rate, high blood pressure, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, chills, shaking, and sweating)
- •Irregular heartbeat
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to remifentanil, any other ingredient in this medicine, or fentanyl-like medicines (such as alfentanil, fentanyl, sufentanil). An allergic reaction can cause rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue.
- This medicine must not be injected directly into your spinal canal.
- Tell your doctor if you have lung or liver problems, as you might have more breathing difficulties.
- Tell your doctor if you or a family member has ever misused alcohol, prescription medicines, or illegal drugs, or if you have a history of mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
- Long-term use of this medicine can lead to tolerance (it works less well) or dependence. Discuss any concerns about dependence with your doctor.
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- Do not drink alcohol until you have fully recovered after receiving this medicine.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor. This medicine is not recommended during childbirth and you should stop breastfeeding for 24 hours after receiving it.
- Do not drive or operate machinery after receiving this medicine until your doctor tells you it is safe. Do not go home alone if you are discharged soon after.