[Clinical experiences with the short-acting opioid alfentanil (Rapifen)]

Alfentanil (R 39 209, Rapifen), a new short-acting narcotic analgesic, has been used in five modifications of routine anaesthesia. The results of these observations are discussed, as well as the haemodynamic and pharmacokinetic data reported in literature. Rapid onset and short duration of action due to a short elimination half-life time and a low distribution volume offer new possibilities in anaesthesiology. In premedicated patients the drug provides analgesia for very short lasting procedures and can supplement hypnotics like etomidate, short-acting barbiturates and benzodiazepines, e.g. midazolam. Thus it becomes possible to obtain a very pleasant anaesthesia under controlled or assisted ventilation with nitrous oxide/oxygen for procedures of a short or mean duration without further need for volatile anaesthetics.