ORAL TRANSMUCOSAL FENTANYL CITRATE PREMEDICATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING OUTPATIENT DERMATOLOGICAL PROCEDURES

BACKGROUND. Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) is a novel lozenge dosage form of fentanyl used for premedication. Many dermatology patients undergoing surgical procedures could benefit from such a medication. OBJECTIVE. The study compared the safety and efficacy of 400-vs 800-mug dosage forms for their sedative and anxiolytic effects in adults undergoing a variety of dermatologic outpatient surgical procedures. METHODS. Patients received OTFC 30 minutes before the procedure. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, sedation, and anxiety scores were measured before OTFC administration and every 15 minutes thereafter. RESULTS. Significant sedation and anxiolysis developed in both dosage groups. No clinically significant changes in respiratory rate, heart rate, or blood pressure occurred during the study period. Common drug-induced side effects included dizziness, nausea, pruritus, and vomiting. CONCLUSION. OTFC is safe and effective for outpatient dermatologic procedures; however, the risk of opioid-related side effects must be carefully weighted against the benefits when deciding to use OTFC in an outpatient setting.