Which of the following is the most likely reason why fentanyl does not disturb cardiovascular stability as much as morphine?
High-Yield Explanation
Morphine releases histamine and can cause cardiovascular instability. Fentanyl does not release histamine, and causes only mild decreases in heart rate and blood pressure. Fentanyl, a lipid-soluble drug, has an elimination half-life between 3 and 4 hours. It is 100 times more potent than morphine.