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Colonoscopy Sedation

11/02/2006

Question:

My neighbor had his procedure and suggested if I wanted to be aware of everything, to request fentanyl. My question is how much fentanyl is usually given and what is `in` to request to be pain-free? Thank you

Answer:

All drugs given for anesthesia and sedation are best given in a “titrated” fashion. This means that a small amount is given, the response assessed, then additional amounts given until the desired effects is achieved. An average initial dose of fentanyl in an average adult is between 50 and 100 micrograms. If you don’t want Versed (midazolam) tell your doctor. Alternative agents include propofol, which is sedative, and other drugs similar to fentanyl such as meperidine, alfentanil, sufentanil and remifentanil, which are pain-killers. These drugs have potential side-effects too – including nausea and suppression of breathing.

For more information:

Go to the Anesthesia health topic.