Remifentanil, a different opioid: potential clinical applications and safety aspects.
BACKGROUND
Opioids play an important role in every aspect of modern anesthetic practice. Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid featuring a unique pharmacokinetic profile allowing clinical versatility and improved control of its action. In this review, we assess the pharmacology of remifentanil, its clinical uses as well as safety issues on its action on the major organ systems and in particular clinical settings.


METHODS
A synthesis of evidence from a MEDLINE search for articles from 1993 to 2009 for available up-to-date information on remifentanil and its current applications and safety profile.


RESULTS
A synopsis of the unique pharmacokinetic properties of remifentanil and its action on major organ systems will provide insight on the safe and effective use of the drug in a variety of clinical settings.


CONCLUSIONS
Remifentanil is a valuable opioid in the armamentarium of the clinician, providing great clinical flexibility and safety but vigilance is required to avoid pitfalls.
Stroumpos
Charalampos
C
Department of Gastroenterology, Benizelion General Hospital, L Knossou, Heraklion, Crete 71409, Greece. gpaspatis@gmail.com
Manolaraki
Maria
M
Paspatis
Gregorios A
GA
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077208:Remifentanil; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D010880:Piperidines; D000077208:Remifentanil