What is equivalent to a Fentanyl patch?

Answer 1

When used IV, they often start with 50 MICROGRAMS of Fentanyl for pain. If needed, they go up to 100 MICROGRAMS. In contrast if they are using morphine they give 1 MILLIGRAM then go up to 2 MILLIGRAMS. 1 MG = 1000 MICROGRAMS. So doing the math, the fentanyl is 20 times more potent (50 x 20 = 1000) The main difference is fentanyl wears off in an hour whereas the morphine will last 2-4 hours. Fentanyl is used in anesthesia, for pain pumps and epidurals where you need fine control. If you overdose with Fentanyl a single dose of NARCAN to reverse usually is all you need as the Narcan lasts longer than the fentanyl. If you over dose with Morphine you might needed repeated shots of the Narcan because the Morphine lasts longer than Narcan. The biggest danger of fentanyl is powdered fentanyl can be quickly absorbed thru the lungs or skin.

Answer 2

alternatives as far as a slow controlled release delivery system for chronic pain?

yeah opana, and Oxycontin to name a few but they are both oral medications,not transdermal patches applied to the skin.

Answer 3

There is no equivalent; Fentanyl is currently the strongest opiate available for pain control, being 100x stronger than morphine. In intravenous form, its primary use is as an anesthesia drug.

Answer 4

There is none - Fentanyl is 100x stronger than morphine.