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Alfentanil Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 25, 2024.

Applies to alfentanil: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

Alfentanil HCl injection exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death.

Assess patient’s risk before prescribing and monitor regularly for these behaviors and conditions.

Serious side effects of alfentanil

Along with its needed effects, alfentanil may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking alfentanil:

More common

  • blurred vision
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • confusion
  • difficult or troubled breathing
  • dizziness
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fainting
  • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • headache
  • irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
  • lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • nervousness
  • not breathing
  • pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  • pounding in the ears
  • sweating
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

  • cough
  • noisy breathing
  • rigid muscles of the neck, arms, and legs
  • tightness in the chest

Incidence not known

  • agitation
  • cough
  • darkening of the skin
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • fainting
  • fever
  • hives, itching, or skin rash
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • overactive reflexes
  • poor coordination
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • restlessness
  • shivering
  • sweating
  • talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
  • trembling or shaking
  • twitching
  • vomiting

Other side effects of alfentanil

Some side effects of alfentanil may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • drowsiness
  • sleepiness

Rare

  • false or unusual sense of well-being

For healthcare professionals

Applies to alfentanil: injectable solution.

General

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include apnea, rigidity, and bradycardia.[Ref]

Respiratory

Hypersensitivity

Cardiovascular

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Psychiatric

Gastrointestinal

Dermatologic

Local

Endocrine

Opioids:

Adrenal insufficiency has been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than 1 month of use. Androgen deficiency has occurred with chronic use of opioids.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Ocular

Other

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

3. (2017) "Product Information. Alfentanil Hydrochloride (alfentanil)." Akorn Inc

Further information

Alfentanil side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.