Fentanilo Conversion Guidelines

Conversion Factors and Formulations

For patients requiring conversion from continuous IV infusion to transdermal patch, a direct 1:1 ratio is used, where the mcg of fentanilo parenteral per hour are approximately equal to the mcg/hour of the transdermal patch, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 2
When converting fentanilo IV to metadona oral, calculate the daily dose of fentanilo IV, then multiply by a factor of 100 to calculate the equipotent amount of metadona, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 3, 4
To convert fentanilo IV to metadona oral, divide the calculated metadona amount by 6-12 to account for metadona's longer half-life, as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3, 4
When converting fentanilo IV to morfina IV, then to metadona oral, multiply the daily dose of fentanilo by a factor of 60 to calculate the equipotent dose of morfina, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3, 4
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends reducing calculated doses by 25-50% when converting between opioids to account for incomplete cross-tolerance and patient variability 1, 2