Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Opiates such as remifentanil have the potential to reduce time to extubation (TTE), shorten length of stay (LOS) and lower hospital costs, because of a short duration of action. However, the cost of remifentanil is approximately ten times higher than longer-acting opiates like fentanyl. ⋯ Remifentanil, when used in off-pump bypass surgery, is associated with an increased likelihood of extubation in the OR. However, LOS and total hospital costs remain unchanged.