Alfentanil Mnemonic
ALFENTANIL
Analgesia: effective for pain management during short procedures.
Less Potent: alfentanil is only 10% as potent as fentanyl.
Fast Onset (1-2 minutes) and Fast Recovery.
Extensive liver metabolism.
Neurological Effects: depresses cough reflex and respirations and constricts pupils.
Tolerance: may increase tolerance for pain and cause euphoria or dysphoria.
Anesthesia induction, maintenance and postoperative pain.
Naloxone: naloxone is the antidote for alfentanil.
Less Potent: alfentanil is only 10% as potent as fentanyl.
Fast Onset (1-2 minutes) and Fast Recovery.
Extensive liver metabolism.
Neurological Effects: depresses cough reflex and respirations and constricts pupils.
Tolerance: may increase tolerance for pain and cause euphoria or dysphoria.
Anesthesia induction, maintenance and postoperative pain.
Naloxone: naloxone is the antidote for alfentanil.
Here are some key points about Alfentanil that might be useful for your board exam review:
- Potency: Alfentanil is approximately 10 times more potent than morphine.
- Onset and Duration: It has a rapid onset of action, typically within 1-2 minutes, and a short duration of action, lasting about 10-15 minutes.
- Volume of Distribution (Vd): Alfentanil has a smaller volume of distribution compared to fentanyl, which means it stays more in the central compartment (bloodstream) rather than distributing widely into tissues.
- Elimination Half-Life: The elimination half-life of alfentanil is around 1.5 hours, which is shorter than that of fentanyl.
- Metabolism: It is primarily metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, specifically CYP3A4.
- Clinical Use: Alfentanil is often used for short surgical procedures and as an adjunct to anesthesia due to its rapid onset and short duration.
For more anesthesiology mnemonics check this mnemonic book.
This post covers the points you need to know for your board exams as well as for teaching residents on the daily rounds. Medical professionals can't use the information here to treat their patients nor people can use the information her to treat themselves. If you are having any medical issues, contact your local emergency services or your primary care provider. Please refer to your doctor for medical advice.