Sometimes the pain we feel is so severe, isn't it? There are times when ordinary painkillers can't control that pain. For those times, today we're going to talk about a special, powerful painkiller that doctors only use inside a hospital or clinic. That's Sufentanil.
What is Sufentanil?
Simply put, Sufentanil is a powerful drug that is used to treat severe pain . Doctors often use it when other painkillers have failed to relieve the pain, or when the body cannot tolerate them.
This belongs to a group of drugs called opioids . It works by blocking pain signals from reaching our brain. This reduces the amount of pain we feel. This drug is also commonly found under the brand name DSUVIA.
The important thing is, this is not a medicine you can pick up at a pharmacy and take home. It is only given in a fully medically supervised setting, such as a hospital or clinic.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is important for your doctor to know your complete health history before deciding to prescribe this medication. Be sure to mention any of the following conditions if you have any:
- If you have a brain tumor or a head injury.
- If you are a frequent drinker .
- If you have heart disease , kidney disease , or liver disease .
- If you have lung or breathing problems, such as asthma .
- If you have a condition such as seizures .
- If you have any stomach or intestinal problems.
- If you have had a previous substance use disorder .
- If you have an allergy to Sufentanil or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How do you use this medicine and what happens if you take too much?
This is given as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue. Remember, this is given by hospital staff. You are not allowed to use it yourself. Therefore, there are no problems with missing a dose.
If you take too much medicine (Overdose)
If you feel that the medication has been overdosed in some way, even if it was administered under medical supervision, it is an emergency.
In such a case, you should immediately go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with Sufentanil
Because this is a powerful drug, it can have dangerous effects when taken with other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Let's explain this further with the table below.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
| Medications for some mental illnesses | Olanzapine; samidorphan |
| Medications for Parkinson's disease | Safinamide |
| Other drugs and substances that may interact | |
| Alcohol | Causes severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, and is life-threatening. |
| Drugs that cause drowsiness | Allergy, cough, and cold medications, benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Alprazolam), muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills. |
| Medications for depression or anxiety | Different types of antidepressants. |
| Other opioid painkillers | Other types of opioids given for cough or pain. |
| Herbal products | For example, St. John's wort. |
*Please note that this is not a complete list. It is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.*
What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?
- Pain and Tolerance: If your pain does not go away or if it gets worse, tell your healthcare team right away. After taking this medicine for a while, the previous dose may not be enough to control your pain. This is called tolerance. This is normal.
- Breathing problems: This medicine, especially when taken with other sleep-inducing substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can cause very slow and life-threatening breathing. If you have trouble breathing or are extremely sleepy and unable to wake up, it is an emergency.
- Dependence: When you take this medicine for a long time, your body can become dependent on it. When you stop taking the medicine on the advice of your doctor, you should gradually reduce the dose to reduce withdrawal effects.
- Be aware of Naloxone: Naloxone is a life-saving emergency drug given in the event of an opioid overdose. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of an overdose (difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, inability to wake up). In a hospital setting, the medical team is alert to this.
- Avoid driving: This medication may affect your concentration, decision-making ability, and balance. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you have fully recovered.
- Constipation:This medicine has a high chance of causing constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement within 3 days, tell your doctor.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth may occur. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, Sufentanil can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. | Tell your doctor or medical team immediately. |
| Slow breathing (CNS depression) - slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, difficulty staying awake. | |
| Adrenal insufficiency - nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness. | |
| Low blood pressure - dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. | |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Constipation | If these persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. |
| Dizziness | |
| Drowsiness | |
| Dry mouth | |
| Headache | |
| Nausea and vomiting (Nausea, Vomiting) | |
Take-Home Message
- Sufentanil is a very strong opioid medication used for severe pain and is only used in hospitals.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking before taking this medicine.
- Do not use alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness while taking this medication. It can be life-threatening.
- If you experience severe side effects such as decreased breathing rate or excessive drowsiness, consider it an emergency.
- This is a medicine that is only given under the supervision of a doctor or health professional, and is not a medicine for home use.
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