Study identifies fentanyl as the most dangerous opioid painkiller for respiratory complications

Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that fentanyl carries the highest risk of fatal respiratory depression among common opioid painkillers.

• The study analyzed electronic health records of 32,909 adults in hospitals across northwest England.
• Patients who received fentanyl were three times more likely to develop breathing problems compared to those using codeine.
• Combining more than one opioid painkiller at the same time tripled the risk of fatal complications, the study found.
• Dr. Meghna Jani, lead author and senior clinical lecturer at the University of Manchester, said the risk level varies from drug to drug and dose to dose.