Fentanyl Metabolism in Obese Adolescents

Fentanyl is a frequently used pain medication in pediatric and adult anesthesia. Although there are some studies considering the breakdown of oral, transmucosal and intravenous fentanyl preparations in children, the disposition of fentanyl in pediatric patients has not been sufficiently described. This study aims to show that the clearance of fentanyl in obese children and adolescents is increased as compared to children with a normal weight. Consequently, the elimination half-life of fentanyl is different in overweight and obese children from that in children having a normal body weight.