Use of i.v. fentanyl in the outpatient treatment of pediatric facial trauma.

Fentanyl, a synthetic analgesic narcotic, was used in 2,000 cases of pediatric facial trauma between 1981 and 1984. A dose of 2 to 3 micrograms per kilogram of body weight was administered slowly intravenously to provide sedation and analgesia to facilitate the repair. The drug has advantages ideal for outpatient use, namely rapid onset, brief duration, and short recovery time. The major possible complication is that of apnea, which requires that resuscitation equipment be available. Three apneic episodes occurred in this series and all were successfully reversed with naloxone with no untoward effects.