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Sufentanil Citrate

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Sufentanil Citrate

Brand Names
Sufentanil Citrate
Dosage Form
POWDER
Product Type
BULK INGREDIENT

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF SUFENTANIL CITRATE ‎INJECTION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions ‎[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]‎ . Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of ‎Sufentanil Citrate Injection, ‎especially during initiation or following a dosage ‎increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing ‎and ‎titration of Sufentanil Citrate Injection are essential [see Warnings and ‎Precautions (5.2) ] .‎ Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants ‎‎Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous ‎system (CNS) depressants, including ‎alcohol, may result in profound sedation, ‎respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of ‎‎Sufentanil Citrate Injection and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for ‎use in patients for whom ‎alternative treatment options are inadequate [see ‎ Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7) ] .‎ Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection with all cytochrome P450 ‎‎3A4 inhibitors may result in an ‎increase in sufentanil plasma concentrations, ‎which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause ‎potentially ‎fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used ‎cytochrome P450 3A4 ‎inducer may result in an increase in sufentanil plasma ‎concentration. Monitor patients receiving Sufentanil Citrate Injection and any ‎CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Drug ‎Interactions (7) , ‎ Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] ‎ . WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF SUFENTANIL CITRATE ‎INJECTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

  • Sufentanil Citrate Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions (5.1) .
  • Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of ‎Sufentanil Citrate Injection, ‎especially during initiation or following a dosage ‎increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing ‎and ‎titration of Sufentanil Citrate Injection are essential (5.2) .
  • Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous ‎system (CNS) depressants, including ‎alcohol, may result in profound sedation, ‎respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for ‎use in patients for whom ‎alternative treatment options are inadequate (5.3, 7) .
  • Concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors (or discontinuation of ‎CYP3A4 inducers) can result in a fatal overdose of sufentanil (5.4, 7 , ‎ 12.3) ‎.

    • Description

    11 DESCRIPTION Sufentanil Citrate Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of sufentanil citrate in water for injection. Sufentanil Citrate is a potent opioid analgesic which is administered either epidurally or by intravenous injection. Each mL contains sufentanil citrate equivalent to 50 mcg of sufentanil. May contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. pH 4.2 (3.5 to 6.0). The solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended for use only as a single-use injection. When smaller doses are required, the unused portion should be discarded in an appropriate manner. Sufentanil Citrate, USP, occurs as a white crystalline powder and is chemically designated as N -[-4-(methyoxymethyl)-1-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinyl]- N -phenylpropanamide 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate (1:1). The molecular formula of sufentanil citrate is C 22 H 30 N 2 O 2 S∙C 6 H 8 O 7 and the molecular weight is 578.69. Sufentanil Citrate has the following structural formula: Chemical Structure

    What Is Sufentanil Citrate Used For?

    1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sufentanil Citrate Injection is indicated for intravenous administration in adults and pediatric patients:

  • as an analgesic adjunct in the maintenance of balanced general anesthesia in patients who are intubated and ventilated.
  • as a primary anesthetic agent for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia with 100% oxygen in patients undergoing major surgical procedures, in patients who are intubated and ventilated, such as cardiovascular surgery or neurosurgical procedures in the sitting position, to provide favorable myocardial and cerebral oxygen balance or when extended postoperative ventilation is anticipated. Sufentanil Citrate Injection is indicated for epidural administration:
  • as an analgesic combined with low dose (usually 12.5 mg per administration) bupivacaine usually during labor and vaginal delivery. Sufentanil Citrate Injection is an opioid agonist indicated ( 1 ):
  • as an analgesic adjunct in the maintenance of balanced general anesthesia in patients who are intubated and ventilated.
  • as a primary anesthetic agent for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia with 100% oxygen in patients undergoing major surgical procedures, in patients who are intubated and ventilated, such as cardiovascular surgery or neurosurgical procedures in the sitting position, to provide favorable myocardial and cerebral oxygen balance or when extended postoperative ventilation is anticipated.
  • for epidural administration as an analgesic combined with low dose (usually 12.5 mg per administration) bupivacaine usually during labor and vaginal delivery.

    • Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Sufentanil Citrate Injection should be administered only by persons specifically trained in the use of intravenous anesthetics and management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids.
  • Ensure that an opioid antagonist, resuscitative and intubation equipment, and oxygen are readily available. ( 2.1 )
  • Individualize dosing based on factors such as age, body weight, physical status, underlying pathological condition, use of other drugs, type of anesthesia to be used, and the surgical procedure involved. ( 2.1 )
  • Initiate analgesic treatment with 1 to 2 mcg/kg intravenously. ( 2.2 )
  • Initiate epidural injection for labor and delivery at 10 to 15 mcg of Sufentanil administered with 10 mL bupivacaine 0.125% with or without epinephrine. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Sufentanil Citrate Injection should be administered only by persons specifically trained in the use of intravenous or epidural anesthetics and management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids. In patients administered high doses of Sufentanil Citrate Injection, it is essential that qualified personnel and adequate facilities are available for the management of postoperative respiratory depression. For purposes of administering small volumes of Sufentanil Citrate Injection accurately, the use of a tuberculin syringe or equivalent is recommended.
  • Ensure that an opioid antagonist, resuscitative and intubation equipment, and oxygen are readily available.
  • Individualize dosage based on factors such as age, body weight, physical status, underlying pathological condition, use of other drugs, type of anesthesia to be used, and the surgical procedure involved.
  • Monitor vital signs regularly.
  • The selection of preanesthetic medications should be based upon the needs of the individual patient.
  • The neuromuscular blocking agent selected should be compatible with the patient's condition, taking into account the hemodynamic effects of a particular muscle relaxant and the degree of skeletal muscle relaxation required. As with other potent opioids, the respiratory depressant effect of sufentanil may persist longer than the measured analgesic effect. The total dose of all opioid agonists administered should be considered by the practitioner before ordering opioid analgesics during recovery from anesthesia. If Sufentanil Citrate Injection is administered with a CNS depressant, become familiar with the properties of each drug, particularly each product's duration of action. In addition, when such a combination is used, fluids and other countermeasures to manage hypotension should be available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Inspect parenteral drug products visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. 2.2 Intravenous use Sufentanil Citrate may be administered intravenously by slow injection or infusion. Adjunct to general anesthesia:
  • Doses of up to 8...

    • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

  • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
  • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
  • Skeletal Muscle Rigidity and Skeletal Muscle Movement [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
  • Interactions with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
  • Severe Cardiovascular Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
  • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]‎
  • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]
  • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]
  • ‎ Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Most common adverse reactions were apnea, rigidity, and bradycardia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hospira, Inc. at 1-800-441-4100 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Epidural Use in Labor and Delivery Epidural sufentanil was tested in 340 patients in two (one single-center and one multicenter) double-blind, parallel studies. Doses ranged from 10 to 15 mcg sufentanil and were delivered in a 10 mL volume of 0.125% bupivacaine with and without epinephrine 1:200,000. In all cases sufentanil was administered following a dose of local anesthetic to test proper catheter placement. Since epidural opioids and local anesthetics potentiate each other, these results may not reflect the dose or efficacy of epidural sufentanil by itself. Individual doses of 10 to 15 mcg sufentanil plus bupivacaine 0.125% with epinephrine provided analgesia during the first stage of labor with a duration of 1 to 2 hours. Onset was rapid (within 10 minutes). Subsequent doses (equal dose) tended to have shorter duration. Analgesia was profound (complete pain relief) in 80% to 100% of patients and a 25% incidence of pruritus was observed. The duration of initial doses of sufentanil plus bupivacaine with epinephrine is approximately 95 minutes, and of subsequent doses, 70 minutes. There are insufficient data to critically evaluate neonatal neuromuscular and adaptive capacity following recommended doses of maternally administered epidural sufentanil with bupivacaine. However, if larger than recommended doses are used for combined local and systemic analgesia, e.g., after administration of a single dose of 50 mcg epidural sufentanil during delivery, then impaired neonatal adaption to sound and light can be detected for 1 to 4 hours and if a dose of 80 mcg is used impaired neuromuscular coordination can be detected for more than 4 hours. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of sufentanil. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Serotonin syndrome : Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal insufficiency : Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Anaphylaxis : Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Sufentanil Citrate Injection. Androgen deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with use of opioids for an extended period of time [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been ‎reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see...

    • Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 3 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Sufentanil Citrate Injection. Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Sufentanil Citrate Injection Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of sufentanil, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of Sufentanil Citrate Injection is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the sufentanil plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to sufentanil. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of Sufentanil Citrate Injection until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the Sufentanil Citrate Injection dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), grapefruit juice. CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of sufentanil [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to sufentanil [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the sufentanil plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the Sufentanil Citrate Injection dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider Sufentanil Citrate Injection dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection with CNS depressants my result in decreased pulmonary artery pressure and may cause hypotension. Even small dosages of diazepam may cause cardiovascular depression when added to high dose or anesthetic dosages of Sufentanil Citrate Injection. As postoperative analgesia, concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death [see...

    Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Sufentanil Citrate Injection is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Hypersensitivity to sufentanil (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]
  • Hypersensitivity to sufentanil. ( 4 )

    • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Available data with Sufentanil Citrate Injection in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, embryolethality and maternal toxicity were noted in rabbits when sufentanil was administered intravenously at 0.9 times the human procedural dose of 30 mcg/kg during organogenesis. Decreased live fetuses and pup survival were noted in rats treated with sufentanil late in gestation and throughout lactation at doses below the human procedural dose. No malformations were observed in either rats or rabbits at doses below the human procedural dose [see Data ]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Labor or Delivery Opioids...

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with sufentanil can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to sufentanil overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of sufentanil in Sufentanil Citrate Injection, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. If the response to an opioid antagonist is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional antagonist as directed by the product's prescribing information. In an individual physically-dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the antagonist will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the antagonist administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically-dependent patient, administration of the antagonist should be initiated with care...

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Sufentanil Citrate Injection, USP equivalent to 50 mcg/mL sufentanil is supplied in the following single-dose containers: Unit of Sale Concentration NDC 0409-3382-21 Carton of 10 Single-dose Fliptop Vials 50 mcg/mL NDC 0409-3382-22 Carton of 10 Single-dose Fliptop Vials 100 mcg/2 mL (50 mcg/mL) NDC 0409-3382-25 Carton of 10 Single-dose Fliptop Vials 250 mcg/5 mL (50 mcg/mL) Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.