Sufentanil in anaesthesiology and intensive therapy

Sufentanil, a potent α-1 agonistic opioid, was synthesized in mid-1970s. It was introduced into clinical practice ten years later, gaining some popularity over the last twenty years. A piperidine derivative, sufentanil has been reported to be 6-10 times more potent than fentanyl, depending on the route of administration; it has been registered for intravenous, epidural and subarachnoid administration. Its reported off-label use has included intra-articular and intranasal administration; moreover, it has been applied as an adjunct in peripheral blocks. In the review, contemporary uses of sufentanil, together with detailed pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are presented. The author concludes that the limited side effects of sufentanil, together with its attractive pharmacokinetic profile, should promote its wider use in clinical practice.