fenytoiin

Fentonyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic. It is a potent pain medication and is typically used to manage moderate to severe pain. Fentonyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is available in various forms, including transdermal patches, lozenges, injectables, and nasal sprays.

The primary mechanism of action for fentanyl is binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This binding inhibits the transmission of pain signals, leading to a reduction in pain perception. Fentanyl also has effects on other parts of the body, including sedation, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal effects.

Fentanyl is a prescription medication and is used under strict medical supervision due to its high potency and potential for addiction and overdose. It is often prescribed for chronic pain conditions, such as cancer pain, or for acute pain management after surgery. The transdermal patch, for instance, is designed to release the medication slowly over a 72-hour period.

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is a significant concern in the opioid crisis. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or counterfeit prescription pills, without the user's knowledge, greatly increasing the risk of overdose. Due to its potency, even very small amounts can be lethal. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including one caused by fentanyl, but multiple doses may be required for fentanyl.