What is fentanyl primarily prescribed for?

Fentanyl is primarily prescribed for round-the-clock chronic pain relief because of its potency and extended duration of action. This synthetic opioid is often used in managing severe pain conditions that require continuous and consistent pain control, making it suitable for patients with chronic pain such as cancer-related pain or persistent pain due to other conditions. Fentanyl's pharmacokinetics allow it to provide long-lasting analgesia, which is essential for patients needing ongoing pain management.

Although fentanyl can also be used for acute pain relief and post-operative pain in certain situations, its primary role tends to be in long-term chronic pain management due to its risk profile and the need for safer usage in non-acute settings. Muscle spasms are typically not treated with fentanyl, as other medications are more effective and appropriate for that condition.