Health Library

Sufentanil (By injection)

Sufentanil (soo-FEN-ta-nil)

Treats pain. May be used along with a numbing medicine during surgery or during childbirth.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given through a needle placed into a vein or into your back (spinal cord).

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how sufentanil works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, metaxalone, mirtazapine, nitrous oxide, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, tramadol, trazodone
  • Benzodiazepine medicine
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
  • Medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or mental health problems
  • Triptan medicine to treat migraine headaches
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, breathing or lung problems (including sleep apnea), gallbladder problems, pancreas problems, slow heartbeat, or a history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumor. Tell your doctor if you have been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High risk of overdose, which can lead to death
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)
  • Sleep-related breathing problems (including sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia)
  • May increase risk for muscle rigidity or movement
  • Serotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines)
  • Slow heartbeat
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow or uneven heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, seizures
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
• Severe confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Stiffness in the muscles of your neck, chest, hands, or legs
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024