Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Fentanyl ev

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and sedation.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and sedation. Used for Acute and chronic pain management, Perioperative analgesia and sedation, Palliative care.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Fentanyl activates mu-opioid receptors throughout the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting pain signal transmission and modulating pain perception. The 'ev' designation likely refers to an intravenous formulation. It is a potent synthetic opioid approximately 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

Approved indications

• Acute and chronic pain management
• Perioperative analgesia and sedation
• Palliative care

Common side effects

• Respiratory depression
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Constipation

Key clinical trials

• Sublingual Versus Endovenous Fentanyl for the Prehospital Analgesia in Patients With Limb Trauma on the Slope (PHASE4)
• Sublingual Versus Endovenous Fentanyl for Pain Treatment in Trauma Patients in the Emergency Room (PHASE4)
• Continuous Infusion of Fentanyl in Preterm on MV (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Fentanyl ev CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Fentanyl ev updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige portfolio CI