Question

What is the difference between alfentanil and fentanyl?

1) Alfentanil is more potent than fentanyl.
2) Fentanyl is more potent than alfentanil.
3) Alfentanil and fentanyl have similar potency.
4) There is no difference in potency between alfentanil and fentanyl.

Answer 1

Fentanyl is more potent than alfentanil, meaning smaller doses of fentanyl are required to achieve similar analgesic effects. However, fentanyl's higher potency means that it requires much smaller doses to achieve the same effect as alfentanil.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between alfentanil and fentanyl relates to their potency as analgesics and narcotics. Fentanyl is significantly more potent than alfentanil. In terms of analgesic properties, both alfentanil and fentanyl serve to reduce pain without the loss of consciousness at lower doses, while at higher doses, they can have narcotic effects, causing drowsiness and potential loss of consciousness. However, fentanyl's higher potency means that it requires much smaller doses to achieve the same effect as alfentanil.