Fentanyl Citrate Injection is an opioid agonist, available as a sterile, non-pyrogenic solution containing fentanyl citrate as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, for intravenous or intramuscular administration. Fentanyl citrate is chemically identified as N ‑(1‑Phenethyl‑4‑piperidyl) propionanilide citrate (1:1) with the following structural formula: Each mL contains fentanyl citrate equivalent to 50 mcg fentanyl base in Water for Injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid added, if needed, for pH adjustment. The pH range is 4.0 – 7.5. Contains no preservative. structure

What kind of drug is fentanyl?

The FDA classifies fentanyl as an opioid agonist. Opioid agonists bind opioid receptors (mainly mu receptors) on nerves in the brain and spinal cord, dampening the release of pain-signaling chemicals so fewer pain messages reach the brain, which relieves moderate to severe pain. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take fentanyl with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run fentanyl against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is fentanyl sold under?

We track 22 fentanyl-containing products in the U.S.: Duragesic-100, Duragesic-12, Duragesic-25, Duragesic-37, Duragesic-50, Duragesic-75, Sublimaze Preservative Free and Fentanyl Citrate, and 14 more. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does fentanyl come in?

Across the brands we track, fentanyl is currently marketed as film, extended release, injectable, solution, lozenge, tablet, patch, spray/inhaler, metered, film and spray/inhaler, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic fentanyl?

Yes. Our catalog lists 9 generic fentanyl products alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has fentanyl been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists at least 5 recall records whose product description mentions fentanyl. The most recent: fentaNYL Citrate (May 12, 2026). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Fentanyl: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Fentanyl is an opioid agonist sold in the U.S. under 22 brand and generic names, for pain. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Opioid Agonist
Treats: Pain
Available as: Film, extended release · Injectable · Solution · Lozenge · Tablet · Patch · Spray/Inhaler, metered · Film · Spray/Inhaler
Sold as: 22 products — Duragesic-100, Duragesic-12 and Duragesic-25, and others
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $10 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How fentanyl is dosed

From the FDA label for Sublimaze Preservative Free (application NDA016619). Other fentanyl products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Fentanyl Citrate Injection should be administered only by persons specifically trained in the use of intravenous anesthetics and management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids. Ensure that an opioid overdose reversal agent, resuscitative and intubation equipment, and oxygen are readily available ( 2.1 ). Individualize dosing based on the factors such as age, body weight, physical status, underlying pathological condition, use of other drugs, type of anesthesia to be used, and the surgical procedure involved. ( 2.1 ) Initiate treatment in adults with 50 mcg to 100 mcg. ( 2.2 ) Initiate treatment in children 2 to 12 years of age, with a reduced dose as low as 2 mcg/kg to 3 mcg/kg. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Fentanyl Citrate Injection should be administered only by persons specifically trained in the use of intravenous anesthetics and management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids. Ensure that an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene), resuscitative and intubation equipment, and oxygen are readily available. Individualize dosage based on factors such as age, body weight, physical status, underlying pathological condition, use of other drugs, type of anesthesia to be used, and the surgical procedure involved. Monitor vital signs routinely. As with other potent opioids, the respiratory depressant effect of…

Fentanyl side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Severe Cardiovascular Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of fentanyl were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. As with other opioid agonists, the most common serious adverse reactions reported to occur with fentanyl are respiratory depression, apnea, rigidity and bradycardia; if these remain untreated, respiratory arrest, circulatory depression or cardiac arrest could occur. Other adverse reactions that have been reported are hypertension, hypotension, dizziness, blurred vision,…

Every fentanyl product we track (22)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Fentanyl products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Duragesic-100	72/100	Prescription	Film	Generic	$10	View →
2	Duragesic-12	72/100	Prescription	Film	Generic

Combination products containing fentanyl

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Innovar

Fentanyl recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

Frequently asked questions

What is fentanyl?: Fentanyl Citrate Injection is an opioid agonist, available as a sterile, non-pyrogenic solution containing fentanyl citrate as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, for intravenous or intramuscular administration. Fentanyl citrate is chemically identified as N ‑(1‑Phenethyl‑4‑piperidyl) propionanilide citrate (1:1) with the following structural formula: Each mL contains fentanyl citrate equivalent to 50 mcg fentanyl base in Water for Injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid added, if needed, for pH adjustment. The pH range is 4.0 – 7.5. Contains no preservative. structure
What kind of drug is fentanyl?: The FDA classifies fentanyl as an opioid agonist. Opioid agonists bind opioid receptors (mainly mu receptors) on nerves in the brain and spinal cord, dampening the release of pain-signaling chemicals so fewer pain messages reach the brain, which relieves moderate to severe pain. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take fentanyl with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run fentanyl against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is fentanyl sold under?: We track 22 fentanyl-containing products in the U.S.: Duragesic-100, Duragesic-12, Duragesic-25, Duragesic-37, Duragesic-50, Duragesic-75, Sublimaze Preservative Free and Fentanyl Citrate, and 14 more. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does fentanyl come in?: Across the brands we track, fentanyl is currently marketed as film, extended release, injectable, solution, lozenge, tablet, patch, spray/inhaler, metered, film and spray/inhaler, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.