Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

intermittent fentanyl infusion

Intermittent fentanyl infusion delivers the opioid fentanyl in periodic doses to provide pain relief while potentially reducing continuous exposure.

Intermittent fentanyl infusion delivers the opioid fentanyl in periodic doses to provide pain relief while potentially reducing continuous exposure. Used for Acute postoperative pain, Acute pain in hospitalized patients.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system to modulate pain perception and transmission. Intermittent infusion (as opposed to continuous infusion) administers fentanyl in scheduled intervals, which may help balance analgesia with reduced side effects from sustained high drug levels. This dosing approach is typically used in acute or perioperative pain management settings.

Approved indications

• Acute postoperative pain
• Acute pain in hospitalized patients

Common side effects

• Respiratory depression
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Hypotension
• Pruritus

Key clinical trials

• Comparing PIEB and CEI for Labor Pain Relief (NA)
• Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Tear Production in Angioplasty Patients (NA)
• SEdation Versus General Anesthesia for Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke (PHASE4)
• Perioperative Multimodal General AnesTHesia Focusing on Specific CNS Targets in Patients Undergoing carDiac surgERies (NA)
• GA + ESP vs. SA + ESP in Lumbar Decompression Surgeries (PHASE3)
• Evaluation Of The Influence Of Anesthetic Interventions On The Evolution Of Hepatic Neoplastic Processes (NA)
• Impact of Anesthesia Maintenance Methods on 5-year Survival After Surgery (NA)
• Analgesia-First Sedation in Trauma Patients (NA)

Primary sources

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