Definition

A pectin-based, aqueous nasal spray containing the citrate salt of fentanyl, a synthetic lipophilic phenylpiperidine opioid, with analgesic activity. Fentanyl binds to and stimulates mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), mimicking the analgesic effect of endogenous opiates. Upon intranasal administration of this agent and contact with the nasal mucosa, pectin in low-viscosity aqueous solution gels in the presence of mucosal calcium ions; from this intranasal gel delivery platform, fentanyl is released into the systemic circulation in a relatively rapid but controlled and sustained manner.