[New morphine-type analgesics in anesthesia]

Since the synthesis of Fentanyl in 1961, many narcotics have appeared which are not yet available in France. Among agonists, all are Fentanyl derivates but are different by either more powerful (sufentanyl, lofentanyl), and longer-acting effects (lofentanyl), or less powerful and shorter-acting effects (alfentanyl). All would have a greater security index and minimal cardiovascular side effects. Among agonists-antagonists, only pentazocine is available in France for analgesic therapy. The interest of other new molecules as butorphenol, nalbuphine and buprenorphine, which are available in other countries, still remains a matter of discussion.