[Apnea following epidural administration of sufentanil]

Four patients developed apnoea after epidural administration of 50 micrograms of sufentanil. In three of these patients apnoea occurred within two minutes after administration. In all cases catheter position was verified to be in the epidural space. It is possible that accumulation plays a causative role in some of those cases in which the drug is given on demand. Because sufentanil-induced apnoea may occur fast and unexpected it is advised that patients should be kept under close supervision for at least two hours following administration.