title: Variables of patient-controlled analgesia. 3: Test of an infusion-demand system using alfentanil.
abstract: Patient-controlled infusion-demand analgesia was studied using alfentanil. We were unable to identify an optimal dose and administration rate; doses required range from 100 to 900 micrograms alfentanil. The mean concentration of alfentanil in blood associated with return of pain (i.e. immediately before demand) was 58 ng/ml on day 1 and 37 ng/ml on day 2. This difference was despite similar drug consumption on both days.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Brose
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Plummer
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Mather
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015760:Alfentanil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012646:Self Administration; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015760:Alfentanil