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Ultiva

Remifentanil Hydrochloride · Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution

Prescription NDA Schedule CII TE AP RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Ultiva
Generic name
Remifentanil Hydrochloride
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Mylan Institutional LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
CII
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
6
Packages
6
Data completeness
83% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Remifentanil Hydrochloride 1 mg/mL 1729578 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
12

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Full Opioid Agonists [MoA] MoA All 74 members
Opioid Agonist [EPC] EPC All 109 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
020630
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
July 12, 1996
Sponsor
MYLAN INSTITUTIONAL
Products on application
3
Submissions recorded
17
Products approved under application 020630.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
020630-001 ULTIVA INJECTABLE REMIFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AP RLD
020630-002 ULTIVA INJECTABLE REMIFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AP RLD
020630-003 ULTIVA INJECTABLE REMIFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AP RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 020630.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 33 Labeling Approved December 22, 2025 Standard
Supplement 31 Labeling Approved December 22, 2025 Standard
Supplement 30 Labeling Approved December 15, 2023 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved October 7, 2019 Standard
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved June 21, 2018 Standard
Supplement 16 Labeling Approved December 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 15 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 12, 2016 Standard
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 11, 2013 Standard
Supplement 5 Efficacy Approved March 8, 2004 Standard
Supplement 8 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 20, 2002 Standard
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 3, 2002 Standard
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 19, 2001 Standard
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 19, 2000 Standard
Supplement 2 Efficacy Approved November 23, 1999 Standard
Supplement 1 Efficacy Approved October 15, 1999 Standard
Supplement 3 Labeling Approved June 23, 1999 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved July 12, 1996 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · January 5, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · January 5, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · December 31, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · December 31, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · December 19, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · December 18, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 15, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 9, 2019
  • 0 · Original application · February 15, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · July 4, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · April 5, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · March 10, 2004

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251215). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251215 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251208

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF ULTIVA Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of ULTIVA exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of ULTIVA, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of ULTIVA are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of ULTIVA and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7) ] . WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF ULTIVA See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • ULTIVA exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Assess patient’s risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions .( 5.1 ) • Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of ULTIVA, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of ULTIVA are essential. ( 5.2 ) • Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. ( 5.3 , 7 )

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.5 ) 12/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 ) 12/2025

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ULTIVA is indicated for intravenous (IV) administration: • As an analgesic agent for use during the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for inpatient and outpatient procedures. • For continuation as an analgesic into the immediate postoperative period in adult patients under the direct supervision of an anesthesia practitioner in a postoperative anesthesia care unit or intensive care setting. • As an analgesic component of monitored anesthesia care in adult patients. ULTIVA is an opioid agonist indicated for intravenous administration: • As an analgesic agent for use during the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for inpatient and outpatient procedures. ( 1 ) • For continuation as an analgesic into the immediate postoperative period in adult patients under the direct supervision of an anesthesia practitioner in a postoperative anesthesia care unit or intensive care setting. ( 1 ) • As an analgesic component of monitored anesthesia care in adult patients. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression when initiating therapy and following dosage increases and adjust the dosage accordingly. ( 2.1 ) • Administration : Continuous infusions of ULTIVA should be administered only by an infusion device. ( 2.1 ) • Initial Dosage in Adults : See full prescribing information for recommended doses in adult patients. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) • Initial Dosage in Pediatric Patients : See full prescribing information for recommended doses in pediatric patients. ( 2.2 ) • Geriatric Patients : The starting doses should be decreased by 50% in elderly patients (> 65 years). ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information • Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression when initiating therapy and following dosage increases with ULTIVA and adjust the dosage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. • ULTIVA is for IV use only. • ULTIVA should not be administered without dilution. • Continuous infusions of ULTIVA should be administered only by an infusion device. IV bolus administration of ULTIVA should be used only during the maintenance of general anesthesia. In nonintubated patients, single doses of ULTIVA should be administered over 30 to 60 seconds. • Interruption of an infusion of ULTIVA will result in rapid offset of effect. Rapid clearance and lack of drug accumulation result in rapid dissipation of respiratory depressant and analgesic effects upon discontinuation of ULTIVA at recommended doses. Discontinuation of an infusion of ULTIVA should be preceded by the establishment of adequate postoperative analgesia. • Injections of ULTIVA should be made into IV tubing at or close to the venous cannula. Upon discontinuation of ULTIVA, the IV tubing should be cleared to prevent the inadvertent administration of ULTIVA at a later point in time. Failure to adequately clear the IV tubing to remove residual ULTIVA has been associated with the appearance of respiratory depression, apnea, and muscle rigidity upon the administration of additional fluids or medications through the same IV tubing. • Consider an alternative to ULTIVA for patients taking mixed agonist/antagonist and partial agonist opioid analgesics due to reduced analgesic effect or potential withdrawal symptoms. If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue ULTIVA if patient is not responding appropriately to treatment. • Discard unused portion. 2.2 General Anesthesia ULTIVA is not recommended as the sole agent in general anesthesia because loss of consciousness cannot be assured and because of a high incidence of apnea, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. ULTIVA is synergistic with other anesthetics; therefore, clinicians may need to reduce doses of thiopental, propofol, isoflurane, and midazolam by up to 75% with the coadministration of ULTIVA. The administration of ULTIVA must be individualized based on the patient's response. Induction of Anesthesia ULTIVA should be administered at an infusion rate of 0.5 to 1 mcg/kg/min with a hypnotic or volatile agent for the induction of anesthesia. If endotracheal intubation is to occur less than 8 minutes after the start of the infusion of ULTIVA, then an initial dose of 1 mcg/kg may be administered over 30 to 60 seconds. ULTIVA should not be used as a sole agent for induction of anesthesia because loss of consciousness cannot be assured and because of a high incidence of apnea, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. Maintenance of Anesthesia After endotracheal intubation, the infusion rate of ULTIVA should be decreased in accordance with the dosing guidelines in Tables 1 (adults, predominately ASA physical status I, II, or III) and 2 (pediatric patients). • Due to the fast onset and short duration of action of ULTIVA, the rate of administration during anesthesia can be titrated upward in 25% to 100% increments in adult patients or up to 50% increments in pediatri …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS For injection: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg: 3 mL Vial 1 mg lyophilized powder 5 mL Vial 2 mg lyophilized powder 10 mL Vial 5 mg lyophilized powder For injection: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg for intravenous administration after reconstitution and dilution ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ULTIVA is contraindicated: • For epidural or intrathecal administration due to the presence of glycine in the formulation [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13) ] . • In patients with hypersensitivity to remifentanil (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . ULTIVA is contraindicated: • For epidural or intrathecal administration due to the presence of glycine in the formulation. ( 4 ) • In patients with hypersensitivity to remifentanil (e.g., anaphylaxis). ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression : Monitor closely, particularly during initiation and titration. ( 5.2 ) • Risks from Use as Postoperative Analgesia with Concomitant Benzodiazepines or other CNS Depressants : Hypotension, profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of ULTIVA with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants ( 5.3 ) • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic or opioid rotation. ( 5.4 ) • Serotonin Syndrome : Potentially life-threatening condition could result from concomitant serotonergic drug administration. Discontinue ULTIVA if serotonin syndrome is suspected. ( 5.5 ) • Skeletal Muscle Rigidity : is related to the dose and speed of administration. Muscle rigidity induced by ULTIVA should be managed in the context of the patient's clinical condition. ( 5.6 ) • Potential Inactivation by Nonspecific Esterases in Blood Products : ULTIVA should not be administered into the same IV tubing with blood due to potential inactivation by nonspecific esterases in blood products. ( 5.7 ) • Bradycardia : Monitor heart rate during dosage initiation and titration. It is responsive to ephedrine or anticholinergic drugs ( 5.8 ) • Hypotension : Monitor blood pressure during dosage initiation and titration. It is responsive to decreases in the administration of ULTIVA or to IV fluids or catecholamine administration ( 5.9 ) • Intraoperative Awareness : Inoperative awareness has been reported in patients under 55 years of age when ULTIVA has been administered with propofol infusion rates of ≤ 75 mcg/kg/min ( 5.10 ) • Risks of Use in Spontaneously Breathing Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness : Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. ( 5.11 ) • Risks of Use in Patients with Biliary Tract Disease : Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis, for worsening symptoms. ( 5.12 ) • Increased Risk of Seizures in Patients with Seizure Disorders : Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during ULTIVA therapy. ( 5.13 ) • Rapid Offset of Action : Standard monitoring should be maintained in the postoperative period to ensure adequate recovery without stimulation. ( 5.14 ) 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse ULTIVA contains remifentanil, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, ULTIVA exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9) ]. Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when handling ULTIVA. Strategies to reduce these risks include proper product storage and control practices for a C-II drug. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product. 5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. ULTIVA should be administered only by persons specifically trained in the use of anesthetic drugs and the management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids, including respiration and cardiac resuscitation of patients in the age group being treated. Such training must include the establishment and maintenance of a patent airway and assisted ventilation. Resuscitative and intubation equipment, oxygen, and opioid overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) must be readily available . Res …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Interactions with Benzodiazepines or other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Skeletal Muscle Rigidity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Biliary Tract Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) were respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and skeletal muscle rigidity. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse event information is derived from controlled clinical studies that were conducted in a variety of surgical procedures of varying duration, using a variety of premedications and other anesthetics, and in patient populations with diverse characteristics including underlying disease. Adults Approximately 2,770 adult patients were exposed to ULTIVA in controlled clinical studies. The frequencies of adverse events during general anesthesia with the recommended doses of ULTIVA are given in Table 11. Each patient was counted once for each type of adverse event. Table 11: Adverse Events Reported in ≥ 1% of Adult Patients in General Anesthesia Studies Does not include adverse events from cardiac studies or the neonatal study. See Tables 14, 15, and 16 for cardiac information. at the Recommended Doses See Table 1 for recommended doses. Not all doses of ULTIVA were equipotent to the comparator opioid. Administration of ULTIVA in excess of the recommended dose (i.e., doses > 1 and up to 20 mcg/kg) resulted in a higher incidence of some adverse events: muscle rigidity (37%), bradycardia (12%), hypertension (4%), and tachycardia (4%). of ULTIVA Adverse Event Induction/Maintenance Postoperative Analgesia After Discontinuation ULTIVA (n = 921) Alfentanil/ Fentanyl (n = 466) ULTIVA (n = 281) Morphine (n = 98) ULTIVA (n = 929) Alfentanil/Fentanyl (n = 466) Nausea 8 ( 65 years), the incidence of hypotension is higher, whereas the incidence of nausea and vomiting is lower. Table 12: Incidence (%) of Most Common Adverse Events by Gender in General Anesthesia Studies Does not include adverse events from cardiac studies or the neonatal study. at the Recommended Doses See Table 1 for recommended doses. Not all doses of ULTIVA were equipotent to the comparator opioid. of ULTIVA Adverse Event n Induction Maintenance Postoperative Analgesia After Discontinuation ULTIVA Alfentanil/Fentanyl ULTIVA Morphine ULTIVA Alfentanil/Fentanyl Male 326 Female 595 Male 183 Female 283 Male 85 Female 196 Male 36 Female 62 Male 332 Female 597 Male 183 Female 283 Nausea 2% 0.1 mcg/kg/min) resulted in a higher incidence of some adverse events: nausea (60%), apnea (8%), and muscle rigidity (5%). of ULTIVA Adverse Event ULTIVA (n = 159) ULTIVA + 2 mg Midazolam With higher midazolam doses, higher incidences of respiratory depression and apnea were observed. (n = 103) Propofol (0.5 mg/kg then 50 mcg/kg/min) (n = 63) Nausea 70 (44%) 19 (18%) 20 (32%) Vomiting 35 (22%) 5 (5%) 13 (21%) Pruritus 28 (18%) 16 (16%) 0 Headache 28 (18%) 12 (12%) 6 (10%) Sweating 10 (6%) 0 1 (2%) Shivering 8 (5%) 1 (< 1%) 1 (2%) Dizziness 8 (5%) 5 ( …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 18 includes clinically significant drug interactions with ULTIVA. Table 18: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with ULTIVA Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol, increases the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Intervention: Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after surgery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue ULTIVA if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. If urgent use of ULTIVA is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Intervention: The use of ULTIVA is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of ULTIVA and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Consider discontinuing ULTIVA if patient is not responding appropriately to treatment and institute alternative analgesic treatment. Examples: butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine • Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics : May reduce the analgesic effect of ULTIVA and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. ( 7 )

Drug Interactions In animals the duration of muscle paralysis from succinylcholine is not prolonged by remifentanil.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Pregnancy : May cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) • Labor or Delivery : Respiratory depression and other opioid effects may occur in newborns whose mothers are given ULTIVA shortly before delivery. ( 8.1 ) • Lactation : Infants exposed to ULTIVA through breast milk should be monitored for excess sedation and respiratory depression. ( 8.2 ) • Pediatric Use : ULTIVA has not been studied in pediatric patients for use as a postoperative analgesic or as an analgesic component of monitored anesthesia care. ( 8.4 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Available data with remifentanil hydrochloride in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, reduced fetal rat body weight and pup weights were reported at 2.2 times a human intravenous infusion of an induction dose of 1 mcg/kg with a maintenance dose of 2 mcg/kg/min for a surgical procedure lasting 3 hours. There were no malformations noted when remifentanil was administered via bolus injection to pregnant rats or rabbits during organogenesis at doses approximately 5 times and approximately equal, respectively, to a human intravenous infusion of an induction dose of 1 mcg/kg with a maintenance dose of 2 mcg/kg/min for a surgical procedure lasting 3 hours [ see Data ]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. ULTIVA is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including ULTIVA, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression. Data Human Data In a human clinical trial, the average maternal remifentanil concentrations were approximately twice those seen in the fetus. In some cases, however, fetal concentrations were similar to those in the mother. The umbilical arteriovenous ratio of remifentanil concentrations was approximately 30% suggesting metabolism of remifentanil in the neonate. Animal Data Pregnant rats were treated from Gestation Day 6 to 15 with intravenous remifentanil doses of 0.5, 1.6, or 5 mg/kg/day (0.2, 0.7, or 2.2 times a human intravenous infusion of an induction dose of 1 mcg/kg with a maintenance dose of 2 mcg/kg/min based on body surface area for a surgical procedure lasting 3 hours based on body surface area, respectively). Reduced fetal weights were reported in the high dose group; however, no malformations were reported in surviving fetuses despite a non-dose dependent increase in maternal mortality. Pregnant rabbits were treated from Gestation Day 6 to 18 with intravenous remifentanil doses of 0.1, 0.5, or 0.8 mg/kg/day (0.09, 0.4, or 0.7 times a human intravenous infusion of an induction dose of 1 mcg/kg with a maintenance dose of 2 mcg/kg/min based on body surface area for a surgical procedure lasting 3 hours based on body surface area, respectively). No malformations were reported in survivi …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action ULTIVA is a μ-opioid agonist with rapid onset and peak effect, and short duration of action. The μ-opioid activity of ULTIVA is antagonized by opioid antagonists, including overdose reversal agents such as naloxone or nalmefene. Unlike other opioids, ULTIVA is rapidly metabolized by hydrolysis of the propanoic acid-methyl ester linkage by nonspecific blood and tissue esterases. ULTIVA is not a substrate for plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) and, therefore, patients with atypical cholinesterase are expected to have a normal duration of action.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION ULTIVA (remifentanil hydrochloride) for injection is an opioid agonist. The chemical name is 3-[4-methoxycarbonyl-4-[(1-oxopropyl)phenylamino]-1-piperidine]propanoic acid methyl ester, hydrochloride salt. The molecular weight is 412.91. Its molecular formula is C 20 H 28 N 2 O 5 •HCl, and it has the following chemical structure. ULTIVA is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, preservative-free, white to off-white lyophilized powder for intravenous (IV) administration after reconstitution and dilution. Each vial contains 1 mg, 2 mg, or 5 mg of remifentanil base; 15 mg glycine; and hydrochloric acid to buffer the solutions to a nominal pH of 3 after reconstitution. When reconstituted as directed, solutions of ULTIVA are clear and colorless and contain remifentanil hydrochloride (HCl) equivalent to 1 mg/mL of remifentanil base. The pH of reconstituted solutions of ULTIVA ranges from 2.5 to 3.5. Remifentanil hydrochloride has a pKa of 7.07. Remifentanil hydrochloride has an n-octanol:water partition coefficient of 17.9 at pH 7.3. ULTIVA (remifentanil hydrochloride) Structural Formula

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with remifentanil can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to remifentanil overdose, stop the infusion or administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Opioid overdose reversal agents should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to remifentanil overdose. In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the opioid overdose reversal agent will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the reversal agent administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the reversal agent should be begun with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the reversal agent.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ULTIVA (remifentanil hydrochloride) for Injection, for intravenous use, is supplied as follows: NDC Number Container Concentration Quantity 72078-034-01 3 mL Single-Dose Vial 1 mg lyophilized powder Box of 10 72078-035-02 5 mL Single-Dose Vial 2 mg lyophilized powder Box of 10 72078-036-05 10 mL Single-Dose Vial 5 mg lyophilized powder Box of 10 ULTIVA should be stored at 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Discard unused portion.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
2,363
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: REMIFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Shortages

Source: FDA Drug Shortages
Availability records from the FDA Drug Shortages database.
Status Availability Company Presentation Updated
Current Available Mylan Institutional, a Viatris Company Ultiva, Injection, 2 mg (NDC 72078-035-02) September 17, 2026
Current Available Mylan Institutional, a Viatris Company Ultiva, Injection, 1 mg/1 mL (NDC 72078-034-01) September 17, 2026
Current Available Mylan Institutional, a Viatris Company Ultiva, Injection, 5 mg (NDC 72078-036-05) September 17, 2026

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
67457-912-01 67457-912 Mylan Institutional LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (67457-912-01) / 3 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (67457-912-00) April 15, 2020
67457-913-02 67457-913 Mylan Institutional LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (67457-913-02) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (67457-913-00) April 15, 2020
67457-914-05 67457-914 Mylan Institutional LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (67457-914-05) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (67457-914-00) April 15, 2020
72078-034-01 72078-034 Mylan Institutional LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (72078-034-01) / 3 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (72078-034-00) June 21, 2023
72078-035-02 72078-035 Mylan Institutional LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (72078-035-02) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (72078-035-00) September 18, 2023
72078-036-05 72078-036 Mylan Institutional LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (72078-036-05) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (72078-036-00) December 16, 2024
67457-912 67457-912 Mylan Institutional LLC — April 15, 2020
67457-913 67457-913 Mylan Institutional LLC — April 15, 2020
67457-914 67457-914 Mylan Institutional LLC — April 15, 2020
72078-034 72078-034 Mylan Institutional LLC — June 21, 2023
72078-035 72078-035 Mylan Institutional LLC — September 18, 2023
72078-036 72078-036 Mylan Institutional LLC — December 16, 2024

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Drug Shortages FDA Supply availability

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.