Fentanyl is classified as which type of opioid?

Fentanyl is classified as which type of opioid?

• A. Opiate
• B. Non-opioid
• C. Opioid
• D. Partial agonist

Answer: (C)

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic. Opioids include natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic drugs that activate mu-opioid receptors to produce analgesia and other effects. Opiates refer specifically to the natural alkaloids derived from opium, such as morphine and codeine, so fentanyl is not an opiate. It is not a non-opioid, since it clearly acts on opioid receptors. It is also not a partial agonist; fentanyl produces a full, high-efficacy response at the mu receptor, contributing to its strong analgesic effect and high risk of respiratory depression.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic. Opioids include natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic drugs that activate mu-opioid receptors to produce analgesia and other effects. Opiates refer specifically to the natural alkaloids derived from opium, such as morphine and codeine, so fentanyl is not an opiate. It is not a non-opioid, since it clearly acts on opioid receptors. It is also not a partial agonist; fentanyl produces a full, high-efficacy response at the mu receptor, contributing to its strong analgesic effect and high risk of respiratory depression.