Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Fentanyl (F2)

Fentanyl (F2), marketed by Oslo University Hospital, is a potent synthetic opioid primarily indicated for acute postoperative pain. Its key strength lies in its high potency and rapid onset of action, making it a preferred choice for managing severe pain in the immediate postoperative period. The primary risk is the intense competition from established opioids such as Morphine, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Buprenorphine, which may limit its market share.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Acute postoperative pain
• Breakthrough Pain in Opioid Tolerant Patients
• Breakthrough cancer pain
• Chronic Pain with Opioid Tolerance
• General anesthesia
• Local anesthesia
• Pain
• Regional Anesthesia for Postoperative Pain
• Regional Anesthesia for Surgery

Pipeline indications

Boxed warnings

• Risk of life-threatening respiratory depression
• Risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Drug interactions

• CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, alcohol): Increased risk of respiratory depression and sedation
• MAOIs: Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
• CYP3A4 inhibitors: Increased plasma levels of fentanyl, potentially leading to toxicity

Key clinical trials

• Determination of Analgesic Equipotent Doses of Inhaled Metoxyflurane vs. Intravenous Fentanyl (PHASE4)
• Dose-dependent Effect of Fentanyl on Cough Attenuation During Emergence From General Anaesthesia (PHASE4)

Patents

Primary sources

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