What is the end-of-life dosage of Fentanyl?

The end-of-life dosage of Fentanyl is commonly accepted as 50 mcg. This dosage is often used for patients experiencing severe pain in palliative care settings, where rapid and potent analgesia is required without the need for extensive titration. The 50 mcg dose is typically effective for managing breakthrough pain in patients who are already on an opioid regimen.

In a clinical context, Fentanyl is known for its potency and rapid onset of action, making it a suitable choice for end-of-life care where comfort is paramount. Starting with a lower dose like 25 mcg might insufficiently control pain, while higher doses may risk oversedation, especially in patients whose opioid tolerance may vary significantly.

Ultimately, the selection of the 50 mcg dose is based on best practices for achieving effective pain management while minimizing potential side effects in this vulnerable patient population.