Ultiva for Injection

Generic Name: Remifentanil Hydrochloride For Injection
Product Name: Ultiva for Injection

Indication

Ultiva for injection is an opiod anaesthetic used in conjunction with other anaesthetic medicines to produce and/or maintain heavy sleep during operation, such as cardiac surgery.It can also be used after an operation to reduce the pain associated with the surgery or for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in order to maintain sedation and pain relief.

Action

Ultiva consists of an active ingredient known as remifentanil hydrochloride. This potent agent belongs to a group of medicine known as narcotic analgesics (opioid pain-relievers). The main differences between Ultiva and other opioids are:

• Rapid onset of action by Ultiva – it works very fast.
• Very short duration of action – its analgesic effects can disappear within 5-10 minutes after discontinuation of Ultiva.

Dose advice

• Your doctor will administer the Ultiva injection.
• The appropriate dosage is determined by your doctor based on your existing condition/s, type of operation and body weight.

For further information on the appropriate dose for your condition and/or how it is administered, contact your doctor.

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

The most commonly reported side effects associated with Ultiva that occurs in more than 1% of patient being treated are:

• Slow breathing
• Breathlessness
• Slow heart beat
• Drop in blood pressure (hypotension)
• Increased blood pressure (hypertension) which may cause a headache or sensation of warmth/flushing
• Muscle stiffness
• Shivering
• Nausea and vomiting
• Aches

If you notice anything unusual and they worry you or become troublesome, contact your doctor.

Uncommon side effects

The following side effects occur in less than 1% of patients who are being treated with Ultiva. Do not be alarmed by this list as they are very uncommon and a patient will not necessarily experience any of these side effects. However, if you experience any of these side effects contact your doctor immediately.

• Arrhythmias
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Heartburn
• Muscle stiffness
• Chest pain
• Postoperative aches
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Pharyngitis
• Hiccups
• Difficulty breathing
• Anxiety
• Involuntary movement
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Nightmares,hallucinations
• Sleep disorders
• Seizure

References

1. MIMS Online. Ultiva for injection. [cited 2007 September 19]. Available from: http://mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au
2. APPguide online. Ultiva for injection. [cited 2007 September 19]. Available from: http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp
3. Australian Medicine Handbook. Adelaide: AMH Pty Ltd; 2007.

For further information talk to your doctor.