Sufentanil

Uses

  • Acute pain management (sublingual tablet)
  • Epidural analgesia (injection)
  • Surgical analgesia (injection)
  • Surgical anesthesia (injection)

Adverse Effects

  • Pruritus/skin irritation
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Hypotension
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention
  2. Consider potential for hypotension and monitor blood pressure as appropriate Consider potential for hypotension and monitor blood pressure as appropriate
  3. Monitor for dizziness, consider potential impact on falls riskMonitor for dizziness, consider potential impact on falls risk

Route of Administration

  1. EpiduralEpidural
  2. Intravenous (IV)Intravenous (IV)
  3. SublingualSublingual

Mechanism of Action

Binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Increased pain threshold
  • Altered pain perception
  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathways

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

5 minutes to 10 minutes

Duration of Action

2 hours to 4 hours

Time to Onset

10 minutes

Last updated: April 1, 2026