Remifentanil - A review of its analgesic and sedative use in the intensive care unit

Remifentanil (Ultiva (TM)), a 4-anilidopiperidine derivative of fentanyl, is an ultra-short-acting mu-opioid receptor agonist indicated to provide analgesia and sedation in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Analgesia-based sedation with remifentanil is a useful option for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU setting. Its unique properties (e.g. organ-independent metabolism, lack of accumulation, rapid offset of action) set it apart from other opioid agents. Remifentanil is at least as effective as comparator opioids such as fentanyl, morphine and sufentanil in providing pain relief and sedation in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Moreover, it allows fast and predictable extubation, as well as being associated with a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and quicker ICU discharge than comparators in some studies. In addition, remifentanil is generally well tolerated in this patient population. Thus, remifentanil is a welcome addition to the currently available pharmacological agents employed in the management of mechanically ventilated ICU patients.