Experience with alfentanil infusion as an intensive care sedative analgesic.

A sedative regimen for use in intensive care based on an i.v. infusion of alfentanil has been evaluated in 32 patients. The mean duration of stay was 7.7 days and the total dose of alfentanil given ranged from 7 to 2308 mg. Most patients required 2-3 mg h-1 of alfentanil supplemented with an hypnotic to provide sleep. The technique was judged successful and was well tolerated by patients. No significant side-effects were observed and the wakefulness of the patients was a prominent feature. Weaning from mechanical ventilation was performed while maintaining the infusion in a number of patients, and in these there was no prolonged respiratory depression.