Alfentanil For Dogs and Cats: Dosage, Uses, and Side Effects Guide
Overview
Alfentanil is a highly potent opioid analgesic belonging to the phenylpiperidine series. As a pure mu agonist, it provides rapid onset analgesia within 15-30 seconds and has a short duration of action. It is primarily used for intraoperative analgesia during anesthesia in dogs and cats, and it contributes to balanced anesthesia techniques.
Uses of Alfentanil In Dogs and Cats
- Dogs:
- Intraoperative analgesia during general anesthesia.
- Adjunct to anesthesia to lower the dose requirements of propofol or isoflurane.
- Analgesia for intracranial disease cases.
- Cats:
- Analgesic adjunct during anesthetic procedures.
- Useful in anesthesia protocols with alfentanil-propofol combinations.
Alfentanil Dose For Dogs and Cats
| Species | Condition Treated with Alfentanil | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Intraoperative analgesia | 0.001–0.005 mg/kg IV bolus or 0.001–0.0025 mg/kg/min CRI |
| Analgesia with intracranial disease | 0.2 µg/kg/min IV CRI | |
| Anesthesia induction (with propofol) | 2.1–10 µg/kg IV + propofol 2 mg/kg IV | |
| Maintenance with propofol | 0.5–1 µg/kg/min IV CRI + propofol 0.4 mg/kg/min IV CRI | |
| Cats | Loading dose for analgesia | 5–10 µg/kg IV followed by 0.8–1 µg/kg/min IV CRI |
| Adjunct to anesthesia | Alfentanil-propofol combination started 20 minutes after induction |
Drug Dosage Calculator
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Common Side Effects of Alfentanil In Dogs and Cats
- Bradycardia: Often responsive to anticholinergic agents, but caution is advised.
- Respiratory depression: Always ensure positive pressure ventilation is available.
- Injection risks: Rapid IV injection may cause asystole.
- Excitement and mydriasis: Noted in conscious cats receiving bolus doses.
- Increased blood pressure: Seen in horses when used as part of anesthesia.
Contraindications of Alfentanil In Dogs and Cats
- Avoid use in animals hypersensitive to opioids.
- Do not use in cases of pulmonary disease or impaired respiratory function.
- Opioids should not be used within 48 hours of intrathecal administration of iohexol to prevent seizures.
Some Notes:
- Anesthetic Reduction: Alfentanil reduces the required doses of inhalant anesthetics by up to 50%.
- Drug Interactions:
- Anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine) may increase risk for urinary retention and CNS depression.
- Beta-blockers and anesthetic agents increase the risk of bradycardia.
- CYP inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may prolong alfentanil’s half-life.
- Avoid concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., amitraz) to prevent severe hypotension and coma.
- Monitoring Requirements:
- Continuous monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function is necessary during administration.
- Pulse oximetry and blood pressure monitoring are recommended.
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