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Opioid

Sufentanil

μ-agonist · Sufenta

Mechanism: μ-opioid receptor agonist; 5–10× more potent than fentanyl.

Calculate dose for your patient

Enter weight (kg or lb). Always verify before administration.

Computed weight
70.0 kg · 154.3 lb
Infusion
7.0 mcg – 35 mcg
= 1.40–7.00 mL (5 mcg/mL)
mcg/kg/HOUR.

Weight is saved on this device for the next calculator you open.

Full dose calculator
Onset
1–3 min
Duration
30–60 min
Metabolism
Hepatic CYP3A4.

Dosing

Adult
0.1–0.5 mcg/kg IV; epidural: 10–20 mcg.

Indications

  • Cardiac anesthesia
  • Neuraxial analgesia

Contraindications

  • Severe respiratory depression

Side Effects

  • Respiratory depression
  • Bradycardia
  • Chest wall rigidity

Clinical Pearls

1High-dose cardiac induction provides exceptional hemodynamic stability.

References & Further Reading

  1. 1
    Textbook

    Flood P, Rathmell JP, Shafer S. Stoelting's Pharmacology and Physiology in Anesthetic Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2015.

  2. 2
    Textbook

    Gropper MA, Miller RD, Cohen NH, et al., eds. Miller's Anesthesia. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2020.

  3. 3
    Textbook

    Barash PG, Cullen BF, Stoelting RK, Cahalan MK, Stock MC, Ortega R, Sharar SR, Holt NF. Clinical Anesthesia. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2017.

  4. 4
    Textbook

    Adriano A, Morris R, eds. 2021 CA-1 Tutorial Textbook (15th Ed.). Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology.

Citations are provided to direct further study. Always check the most current edition of guidelines and society recommendations — the information in this chapter is a teaching summary, not primary source material.