Synonyms
Leptanal, Oralet, Phentanyl citrate
Molecular Formula
C28H36N2O8
Smiles
CCC(=O)N(C1CCN(CC1)CCC2=CC=CC=C2)C3=CC=CC=C3.C(C(=O)O)C(CC(=O)O)(C(=O)O)O
Appearance
White crystalline powder
General Description
Fentanyl citrate is the citrate salt of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid analgesic belonging to the phenylpiperidine class, approved by the FDA in 1968 for intravenous or intramuscular use. It is approximately 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Mechanism of Action
Fentanyl exerts its analgesic effects by selectively binding to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, mimicking endogenous opiates and activating G-protein-coupled signaling pathways. This results in neuronal hyperpolarization, inhibition of neurotransmitter release, and modulation of nociceptive pathways. The drug is highly lipophilic with rapid onset due to quick blood-brain barrier penetration, and undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites.
Application
Fentanyl citrate is indicated for analgesic action of short duration during anesthetic periods, premedication, induction and maintenance of anesthesia, and as an opioid analgesic supplement in general or regional anesthesia. It is also used in high-risk patients undergoing open heart surgery or complicated neurological and orthopedic procedures.
Nunes EV, et al. compared extended-release subcutaneous buprenorphine (CAM2038) with daily sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone in 428 participants with opioid use disorder, stratified by baseline fentanyl use (n=123 with fentanyl, n=305 without). Among participants who were fentanyl-positive at baseline, those receiving extended-release buprenorphine had higher rates of opioid-negative urine samples (28.5% vs. 18.8%) and significantly higher rates of fentanyl-negative urine samples (74.6% vs. 61.9%) compared to those receiving the sublingual formulation.
Fig. 1 Study flowchart through follow-up (Nunes EV, et al., 2024)
References
- Nunes EV, et al. Extended-Release Injection vs Sublingual Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder With Fentanyl Use: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(6):e2417377.
What are the specific security protocols for shipping Fentanyl Citrate internationally?
As a Schedule II narcotic, shipments comply with strict chain-of-custody protocols. We use tamper-evident seals, secure couriers, and provide all necessary narcotics import/export permits.
Does Fentanyl Citrate require protection from light during long-term storage?
Yes, it is photosensitive. Storage in light-resistant containers, such as amber glass or opaque packaging, is recommended to prevent photodegradation.
What is the recommended storage temperature for Fentanyl Citrate?
Store at controlled room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C. Brief excursions between 15°C and 30°C are permitted, but avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
Is Fentanyl Citrate hygroscopic, and how is this managed during storage?
It exhibits low to moderate hygroscopicity. We package it in moisture-barrier bags with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption and maintain its free-flowing properties.