Fentanyl (also known as
fentanil, brand names Sublimaze,
Actiq,
Durogesic, Duragesic, Fentora, Matrifen, Haldid, Onsolis, Instanyl,
Abstral, Lazanda and others) is a potent, synthetic
opioid analgesic with a rapid onset and short duration of action. It is a strong
agonist at the
µ-opioid receptors. Historically, it has been used to treat
breakthrough pain and is commonly used in pre-procedures as a pain reliever as well as an
anesthetic in combination with a
benzodiazepine.