Which patient population is contraindicated for the use of Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic that is not typically recommended for use in infants, particularly those less than 1 year old. This age group is particularly vulnerable due to their immature metabolic systems and greater risk for respiratory depression, a serious risk associated with opioid use. The dosing and pharmacokinetics of fentanyl can be unpredictable in younger patients, making them more susceptible to both overdose and adverse effects.

In contrast, while older patients and pregnant women face specific considerations regarding fentanyl use, the contraindication is specifically more relevant for infants. Also, while patients with hypertension may require careful monitoring with any opioid due to potential effects on blood pressure, this does not constitute an absolute contraindication for fentanyl use in this population.