Remifentanil in the clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Remifentanil is the newest opioid for anesthetic procedures. This study aimed at reviewing the literature, with emphasis on information of clinical interest published from January 2000 to December 2002. CONTENTS Major remifentanil studies are described and grouped by areas of interest for clinical anesthesia. Issues such as recommended dose, equipment and their correct use, transitional analgesia, as well as controversial indications, such as sedation, pediatric or obstetric surgery and intensive care, are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Remifentanil is currently the best opioid for continuous intravenous infusion and may improve anesthesiologist's efficiency provided usage recommendations are followed.