Fentanyl (FTN)

Intravenous fentanyl is extensively used for anesthesia and analgesia, most often in operating rooms, intensive-care units and in the prehospital medical setting. The concept of a general anesthetic is based upon a balance between an opioid and a hypnotic agent. Hence, fentanyl is used mainly for induction of anaesthesia alongside a hypnotic agent like propofol. It is also administered in combination with a benzodiazepine, such as midazolam, to produce procedural sedation for endoscopy, cardiac catheterization, oral surgery, etc., and is often used in the management of chronic pain including cancer pain. Fentanyl transdermal patch (Durogesic/Duragesic/Matrifen) is used in chronic pain management. The patches work by releasing fentanyl into body fats, which then slowly release the drug into the bloodstream over 48 to 72 hours, allowing for long-lasting relief from pain.