Remifentanil
Also sold as: Ultiva
Related Medications
These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.
Classification: Full Opioid Agonists (source: RxClass/NLM)
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- buprenorphineOpioid AgonistSame Class
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- difelikefalinOpioid AgonistSame Class
- hydromorphoneOpioid AgonistSame Class
- fentanylOpioid AgonistSame Class
- alfentanilOpioid AgonistSame Class
- hydrocodoneOpioid AgonistSame Class
- sufentanilOpioid AgonistSame Class
- levorphanolOpioid AgonistSame Class
- loperamideOpioid AgonistSame Class
- meperidineOpioid AgonistSame Class
- methadoneOpioid AgonistSame Class
- morphineOpioid AgonistSame Class
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Drug Information
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action ULTIVA is a µ-opioid agonist with rapid onset and peak effect, and short duration of action. The µ-opioid activity of ULTIVA is antagonized by opioid antagonists such as naloxone. Unlike other opioids, ULTIVA is rapidly metabolized by hydrolysis of the propanoic acid-methyl ester linkage by nonspecific blood and tissue esterases. ULTIVA is not a substrate for plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) and, therefore, patients with atypical cholinesterase are expected to have a normal duration of action.
Indications & Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ULTIVA is indicated for intravenous (IV) administration: • As an analgesic agent for use during the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for inpatient and outpatient procedures. • For continuation as an analgesic into the immediate postoperative period in adult patients under the direct supervision of an anesthesia practitioner in a postoperative anesthesia care unit or intensive care setting. • As an analgesic component of monitored anesthesia care in adult patients. ULTIVA is an opioid agonist indicated for intravenous administration: • As an analgesic agent for use during the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for inpatient and outpatient procedures. ( 1 ) • For continuation as an analgesic into the immediate postoperative period in adult patients under the direct supervision of an anesthesia practitioner in a postoperative anesthesia care unit or intensive care setting. ( 1 ) • As an analgesic component of monitored anesthesia care in adult patients. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression when initiating therapy and following dosage increases and adjust the dosage accordingly. ( 2.1 ) • Initial Dosage in Adults : See full prescribing information for recommended doses in adult patients. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) • Initial Dosage in Pediatric Patients : See full prescribing information for recommended doses in pediatric patients. ( 2.2 ) • Geriatric Patients : The starting doses should be decreased by 50% in elderly patients (> 65 years). ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression when initiating therapy and following dosage increases with ULTIVA and adjust the dosage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. ULTIVA is for IV use only. Continuous infusions of ULTIVA should be administered only by an infusion device. The injection site should be close to the venous cannula and all IV tubing should be cleared at the time of discontinuation of infusion. ULTIVA should not be administered without dilution. Consider an alternative to ULTIVA for patients taking mixed agonist/antagonist and partial agonist opioid analgesics due to reduced analgesic effect or potential withdrawal symptoms. If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue ULTIVA if patient is not responding appropriately to treatment. Discard unused portion. 2.2 General Anesthesia ULTIVA is not recommended as the sole agent in general anesthesia because loss of consciousness cannot be assured and because of a high incidence of apnea, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. ULTIVA is synergistic with other anesthetics; therefore, clinicians may need to reduce doses of thiopental, propofol, isoflurane, and midazolam by up to 75% with the coadministration of ULTIVA. The administration of ULTIVA must be individualized based on the patient's response. Induction of Anesthesia ULTIVA should be administered at an infusion rate of 0.5 to 1 mcg/kg/min with a hypnotic or volatile agent for the induction of anesthesia. If endotracheal intubation is to occur less than 8 minutes after the start of the infusion of ULTIVA, then an initial dose of 1 mcg/kg may be administered over 30 to 60 seconds. ULTIVA should not be used as a sole agent for induction of anesthesia because loss of consciousness cannot be assured and because of a high incidence of apnea, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. Maintenance of Anesthesia After endotracheal intubation, the infusion rate of ULTIVA should be decreased in accordance with the dosing guidelines in Tables 1 (adults, predominately ASA physical status I, II, or III) and 2 (pediatric patients). • Due to the fast onset and short duration of action of ULTIVA, the rate of administration during anesthesia can be titrated upward in 25% to 100% increments in adult patients or up to 50% increments in pediatric patients, or downward in 25% to 50% decrements every 2 to 5 minutes to attain the desired level of µ-opioid effect. • In response to light anesthesia or transient episodes of intense surgical stress, supplemental bolus doses of 1 mcg/kg may be administered every 2 to 5 minutes. • At infusion rates > 1 mcg/kg/min, increases in the concomitant anesthetic agents should be considered to increase the depth of anesthesia. [See Clinical Pharmacology: Specific Populations: Pediatric Population (12.3) and Dosage and Administration, Table 2 (2.2) .] Table 1: Dosing Guidelines in Adults – General Anesthesia and Continuing as an Analgesic into the Postoperative Care Unit or Intensive Care Setting An initial dose of 1 mcg/kg may be administered over 30 to 60 seconds. Phase Continuous IV Infusion of ULTIVA (mcg/kg/min) Range of Infusion Dose ULTIVA (mcg/kg/min) Supplemental IV Bolus Dose of ULTIVA (mcg/kg) Induction of Anesthesia (through intubation) 0.5 – 1 Maintenance of anesthesia with: Nitrous oxide (66%) 0.4 0.1 – 2 1 Isoflurane (0.4 to 1.5 MAC) 0.25 0.05 – 2 1 Propofol (100 to 200 mcg/kg/min) 0.25 0.05 – 2 1 Continuation as an analgesic into the immediate postoperative period 0.1 0.025 – 0.2 not recommended Table 2 summarizes the recommended doses in pediatric patients, predominantly ASA physical status I, II, or III. In pediatric patients, remifentanil was administered with nitrous oxide or nitrous oxide in combination with halothane, sevoflurane, or isoflurane. The use of atropine may blunt the potential for bradycardia that can occur upon administration of ULTIVA. Table 2: Dosing Guidelines in Pediatric Patients – Maintenance of Anesthesia Phase Continuous IV Infusion of ULTIVA (mcg/kg/min) Range of Infusion Dose ULTIVA (mcg/kg/min) Supplemental IV Bolus Dose of ULTIVA (mcg/kg) Maintenance of anesthesia in patients aged 1 to 12 years old with An initial dose of 1 mcg/kg may be administered over 30 to 60 seconds. : Halothane (0.3 to 1.5 MAC) 0.25 0.05 – 1.3 1 Sevoflurane (0.3 to 1.5 MAC) 0.25 0.05 –
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) ] • Interactions with Benzodiazepines or other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Skeletal Muscle Rigidity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Biliary Tract Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) were respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and skeletal muscle rigidity. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) 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. Adverse event information is derived from controlled clinical studies that were conducted in a variety of surgical procedures of varying duration, using a variety of premedications and other anesthetics, and in patient populations with diverse characteristics including underlying disease. Adults Approximately 2,770 adult patients were exposed to ULTIVA in controlled clinical studies. The frequencies of adverse events during general anesthesia with the recommended doses of ULTIVA are given in Table 11. Each patient was counted once for each type of adverse event. Table 11: Adverse Events Reported in ≥ 1% of Adult Patients in General Anesthesia Studies Does not include adverse events from cardiac studies or the neonatal study. See Tables 14, 15, and 16 for cardiac information. at the Recommended Doses See Table 1 for recommended doses. Not all doses of ULTIVA were equipotent to the comparator opioid. Administration of ULTIVA in excess of the recommended dose (i.e., doses > 1 and up to 20 mcg/kg) resulted in a higher incidence of some adverse events: muscle rigidity (37%), bradycardia (12%), hypertension (4%), and tachycardia (4%). of ULTIVA Adverse Event Induction/Maintenance Postoperative Analgesia After Discontinuation ULTIVA (n = 921) Alfentanil/Fentanyl (n = 466) ULTIVA (n = 281) Morphine (n = 98) ULTIVA (n = 929) Alfentanil/Fentanyl (n = 466) Nausea 8 (< 1%) 0 61 (22%) 15 (15%) 339 (36%) 202 (43%) Hypotension 178 (19%) 30 (6%) 0 0 16 (2%) 9 (2%) Vomiting 4 (< 1%) 1 (< 1%) 22 (8%) 5 (5%) 150 (16%) 91 (20%) Muscle rigidity 98 (11%) Included in the muscle rigidity incidence is chest wall rigidity (5%). The overall muscle rigidity incidence is < 1% when remifentanil is administered concurrently or after a hypnotic induction agent. 37 (8%) 7 (2%) 0 2 (< 1%) 1 (< 1%) Bradycardia 62 (7%) 24 (5%) 3 (1%) 3 (3%) 11 (1%) 6 (1%) Shivering 3 (< 1%) 0 15 (5%) 9 (9%) 49 (5%) 10 (2%) Fever 1 (< 1%) 0 2 (< 1%) 0 44 (5%) 9 (2%) Dizziness 0 0 1 (< 1%) 0 27 (3%) 9 (2%) Visual disturbance 0 0 0 0 24 (3%) 14 (3%) Headache 0 0 1 (< 1%) 1 (1%) 21 (2%) 8 (2%) Respiratory depression 1 (< 1%) 0 19 (7%) 4 (4%) 17 (2%) 20 (4%) Apnea 0 1 (< 1%) 9 (3%) 2 (2%) 2 (< 1%) 1 (< 1%) Pruritus 2 (< 1%) 0 7 (2%) 1 (1%) 22 (2%) 7 (2%) Tachycardia 6 (< 1%) 7 (2%) 0 0 10 (1%) 8 (2%) Postoperative pain 0 0 7 (2%) 0 4 (< 1%) 5 (1%) Hypertension 10 (1%) 7 (2%) 5 (2%) 3 (3%) 12 (1%) 8 (2%) Agitation 2 (< 1%) 0 3 (1%) 1 (1%) 6 (< 1%) 1 (< 1%) Hypoxia 0 0 1 (< 1%) 0 10 (1%) 7 (2%) In the elderly population (> 65 years), the incidence of hypotension is higher, whereas the incidence of nausea and vomiting is lower. Table 12: Incidence (%) of Most Common Adverse Events by Gender in General Anesthesia Studies Does not include adverse events from cardiac studies or the neonatal study. at the Recommended Doses See Table 1 for recommended doses. Not all doses of ULTIVA were equipotent to the comparator opioid. of ULTIVA Adverse Event n Induction Maintenance Postoperative Analgesia After Discontinuation ULTIVA Alfentanil/Fentanyl ULTIVA Morphine ULTIVA Alfentanil/Fentanyl Male 326 Female 595 Male 183 Female 283 Male 85 Female 196 Male 36 Female 62 Male 332 Female 597 Male 183 Female 283 Nausea 2% < 1% 0 0 12% 26% 8% 19% 22% 45% 30% 52% Hypotension 29% 14% 7% 6% 0 0 0 0 2% 2% 2% 2% Vomiting < 1% < 1% 0 < 1% 4% 10% 0 8% 5% 22% 8% 27% Muscle rigidity 17% 7% 14% 4% 6% 1% 0 0 < 1% < 1% 0 < 1% The frequencies of adverse events from the clinical studies at the recommended doses of ULTIVA in monitored anesthesia care are given in Table 13. Table 13: Adverse Events Reported in ≥ 1% of Adult Patients in Monitored Anesthesia Ca
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 18 includes clinically significant drug interactions with ULTIVA. Table 18: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with ULTIVA Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol, increases the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after surgery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue ULTIVA if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. If urgent use of ULTIVA is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Intervention: The use of ULTIVA is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of ULTIVA and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Consider discontinuing ULTIVA if patient is not responding appropriately to treatment and institute alternative analgesic treatment. Examples: butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine • Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics : May reduce the analgesic effect of ULTIVA and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. ( 7 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ULTIVA is contraindicated: • For epidural or intrathecal administration due to the presence of glycine in the formulation [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13) ] . • In patients with hypersensitivity to remifentanil (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . ULTIVA is contraindicated: • For epidural or intrathecal administration due to the presence of glycine in the formulation. ( 4 ) • In patients with hypersensitivity to remifentanil (e.g., anaphylaxis). ( 4 )
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Data sourced from RxNorm (NLM/NIH), FDA Orange Book, OpenFDA, DailyMed. Last updated: 2026-03-02.