Remifentanil (marketed by Abbott as Ultiva) is a potent ultra short-acting synthetic opioid given to patients during surgery for pain relief and adjunctive to an anesthetic. Remifentanil is a specific mu-type-opioid receptor agonist which means it reduces sympathetic nervous system tone and causes respiratory depression and analgesia.(Drug Bank)
Indication:
- MAC
- Maintenance of general anesthesia.
Mechanism of Action:
Opioid agonist, Selective μ, mu or MOP receptor agonist.
Potency:
Ultra-short-acting
Clearance:
40 ml/min/kg
Route of elimination
Esterase-metabolized opioid, also excreted by the kidneys
Metabolism/Metabolites
Hydrolysis.
Dose & Route:
MAC Anesthesia: 0.02-0.05mcg/kg/IV
Continuous Infusion: 0.3-1.0 mcg/kg/hr/IV
Biological Half-Life
10-20 minutes.
Side Effect:
- Respiratory depression.
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Skeletal muscle rigudity
- Purposeless movements
Synonyms:
Remifentanl, Remifentanilo, Ultiva