Sufentanil is the generic name for a drug known by the brand name Sufenta, and it is a manufactured, or synthetic, opioid, made to mimic natural opioid drugs like morphine and codeine. Like the natural opioids, sufentanil is an analgesic drug, meaning it relieves pain, and it works by affecting the brain and the nervous system. This drug is administered either intravenously, meaning it is injected into a vein, or by epidural, meaning it is injected into the spinal canal. It is commonly used together with other drugs, for example midazolam, to provide general anesthesia during surgery or as part of the anesthesia drugs delivered by epidural during labor and delivery. Sufentanil is a powerful drug that can cause serious side effects, and should only be used when prescribed by a doctor, administered by properly trained medical staff, and in a location where adequate care can be provided, such as a medical clinic or hospital.
Analgesic opioid drugs, like sufentanil and remifentanil, another synthetic opioid, are used to relieve pain. The word analgesic is derived from Greek, and can be loosely translated as "without pain." Opioid drugs, whether natural or synthetic, provide pain relief by affecting the brain and nervous system, changing how a person perceives and tolerates pain and resulting in a decreased sensation of pain. This is different than anesthetic drugs, like lidocaine, that actually eliminate sensation for a period of time.
One advantage of this drug over some other analgesics is that it is fast-acting, often beginning to work almost immediately after being administered. Depending on how it is administered, sufentanil is five to ten times stronger than fentanyl, another commonly used synthetic opioid. Sufentanil is also eliminated from the body faster than fentanyl, leading to faster wakeup and recovery after anesthesia. When administered by epidural, the effects of this drug usually wear off within two hours.
Common side effects of this drug include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and anxiety, but these side effects are usually not serious. Some patients experience severe side effects, including hallucinations, seizures, hives, and breathing problems. One should notify a doctor or other medical staff immediately if experiencing such symptoms, because they can be fatal. Sufentanil should always be administered in a setting where vital signs can be monitored and where there is access to proper resources, such as oxygen and intubation and resuscitation equipment. Caution should be exercised when using sufentanil to treat patients with certain medical conditions, for example decreased lung capacity, kidney problems, or head injuries.