Intra-nasal (IN) Fentanyl

Your child is in pain and needs treatment right away. We believe the Intra-nasal Fentanyl is the best way to take away severe pain in children. It is the quickest and least painful way.

Ways to Give Pain Medicine

• Nose spray - the quickest and most effective way without a needle stick

• IV - effective but can be painful and scary to children

• By mouth - takes too long to go into effect (up to 30 minutes)

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong pain medicine. It works in 5 to 10 minutes. This medicine is often used in IV form to reduce moderate to severe pain.

How it is Given

We use a device called an atomizer, as shown below.

This medicine takes effect within 5 to 10 minutes and will last 30 to 60 minutes.

Side Effects

No serious problems have been reported. When the medicine is given, your child may:

• Have mild irritation of the nose causing brief gagging or coughing

• Become sleepy

• Have watery eyes

• Have nasal congestion
  

After it is Given

• Watch your child closely

• Do not let your child walk or wander

• Watch for falling
  

Tell the ED staff if your child:

• Becomes sleepy

• Has breathing problems

• Is not acting right

• Still has pain 15 minutes after the medicine was given