What is the onset of action for intravenous administration of Fentanyl?

The onset of action for intravenous administration of Fentanyl is typically around 1 to 3 minutes. This rapid onset is a significant characteristic of Fentanyl, particularly when compared to other opioids. Fentanyl, being a potent synthetic opioid, acts quickly to provide analgesic effects, which is crucial in clinical settings, especially for managing acute pain or during anesthesia.

The intravenous route enables Fentanyl to bypass the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream directly, leading to a swift increase in plasma concentration. This immediate effect is important for situations that require prompt pain management or sedation. Given its potency and lipophilicity, Fentanyl can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to its fast action.

In contrast, the onset times suggested in the other options, such as 5-10 minutes, 10-15 minutes, and 15-30 minutes, would be more representative of medications that are slower in action or are administered by alternatives routes such as oral or intramuscular. Therefore, the correct answer reflects Fentanyl’s characteristic of rapid onset, making it effective for immediate pain control in various medical scenarios.