Last reviewed · How we verify
remifentanil injected
Remifentanil is a potent synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu (μ) opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce rapid analgesia and sedation.
Remifentanil is a potent synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu (μ) opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce rapid analgesia and sedation. Used for Intraoperative analgesia and sedation during general anesthesia, Acute postoperative pain management, Sedation and analgesia in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | remifentanil injected |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent |
| Drug class | Opioid agonist |
| Target | Mu (μ) opioid receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia and Analgesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Remifentanil activates mu opioid receptors, which inhibit pain signal transmission and modulate consciousness. It is an ester-based opioid that is rapidly metabolized by non-specific plasma and tissue esterases, resulting in a very short half-life (approximately 10–20 minutes) and rapid offset of action, making it ideal for intraoperative and acute care settings.
Approved indications
- Intraoperative analgesia and sedation during general anesthesia
- Acute postoperative pain management
- Sedation and analgesia in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients
Common side effects
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Muscle rigidity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest wall rigidity
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Anesthetic Techniques for Early Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy (NA)
- Effect of Liposome Bupivacaine Serratus Plane Block on Postoperative Hyperalgesia and Chronic Post-surgical Pain in Patients Undergoing Radical Mastectomy (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Effect of OFA, OSA Versus Opioid-based Anesthesia on NETs and Cancer Cell Malignancy After Colorectal Cancer Surgery (NA)
- Effect of ESPB on Intraoperative Remifentanil Consumption (NA)
- Comparing the QoR of PECS Block and GA in Breast-conserving Surgery With Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (NA)
- Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Remifentanil in a Rapid Sequence Induction for Fragile Subjects (PHASE4)
- A Comparative Analysis of Combined Superficial Cervical Plexus and Supraorbital Blocks Compared to Scalp Blocks During Craniotomy: a Review of Opioid Consumption and The Suppression of Hemodynamic Responses (NA)
- Comparison of Hemodynamic Stability During Anesthesia Using Remimazolam and Sevoflurane in Minimally Invasive AVR (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |