Potential responses to remifentanil supply shortages. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sneyd, J. Robert
• Is Part Of: British journal of anaesthesia. Volume 129:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 649
• Page End: 651
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: alfentanil -- pharmacodynamics -- pharmacokinetics -- propofol -- remifentanil -- supply chain; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.08.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0912

Abstract

Summary: Rapid elimination of remifentanil facilitates application of intense opioid effect during general anaesthesia whilst maintaining prompt emergence. Interruptions in remifentanil supply mean clinicians must relearn titration of pharmacokinetically longer-acting opioids to achieve appropriate levels of opioid effect whilst maintaining acceptable recovery times. Opioid-free anaesthesia is achievable for many minor and intermediate surgical procedures for which remifentanil might have been used previously.