Alfentanil

Uses

  • Analgesia
  • Anesthetic in general surgery when endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are required

Adverse Effects

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider risk of changes in heart rhythm. Consider monitoring heart rate, especially if medication recently started. Consider risk of changes in heart rhythm. Consider monitoring heart rate, especially if medication recently started.
  2. Consider risk for hypertension and monitor blood pressure as appropriate. Consider risk for hypertension and monitor blood pressure as appropriate.
  3. Consider potential for hypotension and monitor blood pressure as appropriate Consider potential for hypotension and monitor blood pressure as appropriate

Route of Administration

  1. Intravenous (IV)Intravenous (IV)

Mechanism of Action

Binds with receptor sites in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Increased pain threshold
  • Alteration of pain perception
  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathway

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

1 minute to 2 minutes

Duration of Action

10 minutes to 15 minutes

Resources

*Some links accessed via VCH Intranet

Last updated: April 30, 2026