Sedation/Analgesia, Mechanically Ventilated Patient Clinical Pathway — N/IICU

Opioid Rotation

Opioid Rotation may be considered in the following situations:

  • Total fentanyl infusion dose is ≥ 5 mcg/kg/hr
  • Total morphine infusion is ≥ 0.15 mg/kg/hr
  • Rapid escalation in dosing yielding limited clinical response

Converting from a Continuous IV Fentanyl Infusion or IV Morphine Infusion to an Alternative Continuous Opioid

Continuous Opioid Alternative Conversion Calculations
Fentanyl to Morphine
(mg/kg/hr)

Fentanyl ___ mcg/kg/hr x 0.01 = ___ mg/kg/hr IV morphine infusion

Example: Fentanyl 4 mcg/kg/hr = 0.04 mg/kg/hr IV morphine infusion

Morphine to Hydromorphone
(mg/kg/hr)

Morphine ___ mg/kg/hr x 0.15 = ___ mg/kg/hr IV hydromorphone infusion

Example: Morphine 0.12 mg/kg/hr = 0.018 mg/kg/hr IV hydromorphone infusion

Hydromorphone minimum incremental infusion titration: 0.002 mg/kg/hr