Alfenta Side Effects
Generic name: alfentanil
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 1, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about alfentanil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Alfenta.
Applies to alfentanil: intravenous solution.
Warning
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 Alfenta
Along with its needed effects, alfentanil (the active ingredient contained in Alfenta) 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 Alfenta
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
Common (1% to 10%): Apnea
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercarbia, laryngospasm
Frequency not reported: Life-threatening respiratory depression, postoperative respiratory depression, bronchospasm, hypoxia, bradypnea, hiccups, hypercapnia, epistaxis, airway complication of anesthesia, endotracheal intubation complication
Postmarketing reports: Respiratory arrest, cough[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Very common (10% or more): Arrhythmia, bradycardia (14%), hypertension (18%), hypotension (18%), tachycardia (12%)
Frequency not reported: Asystole
Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrest[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Very common (10% or more): Chest wall rigidity (17%),
Common (1% to 10%): Skeletal muscle movements, muscle rigidity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skeletal muscle rigidity of neck and extremities[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, movement disorders, dyskinesia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache
Frequency not reported: Serotonin syndrome, seizures, sleepiness/postoperative sedation, somnolence, neurological anesthetic complication
Postmarketing reports: Myoclonic movements[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Euphoric mood
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Postoperative confusion, postoperative euphoria, excitation
Frequency not reported: Addiction abuse, misuse, agitation, crying
Postmarketing reports: Disorientation[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (28%), vomiting (18%)[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Itching, urticaria
Frequency not reported: Pruritus, allergic dermatitis, hyperhidrosis
Postmarketing reports: Erythema, rash[Ref]
Local
Common (1% to 10%): Injection site pain[Ref]
Endocrine
Postmarketing reports: Adrenal insufficiency, androgen deficiency[Ref]
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
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary retention[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Visual disturbance
Frequency not reported: Blurred vision
Postmarketing reports: Miosis[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, chills
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Shivering
Postmarketing reports: Pyrexia[Ref]
More about Alfenta (alfentanil)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)
- Breastfeeding
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
3. Product Information. Alfentanil Hydrochloride (alfentanil). Akorn Inc. 2017.
Further information
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.