Does the standard intravenous solution of fentanyl (50 μg/mL) administered intranasally have analgesic efficacy?: Paediatric Emergency Medicine

Abstract

Background: Intranasal (IN) fentanyl provides rapid and powerful non-parenteral analgesia in the ED. A concentrated solution of fentanyl (μ300 g/mL) has been used in prior trials, yet many ED use the standard solution at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, which is widely available and of low cost. We set out to determine if this lower concentration of fentanyl is also efficacious. Methods: Prospective audit in children aged 5-18 years presenting with upper limb injuries. Patients received IN fentanyl (50 μg/mL) at 1.5 μg/kg. Patient assessed pain scores were collected 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 min following IN fentanyl administration using a visual analogue scale or Bieri Faces - Revised scale. Parenta..