Palliative Care Drugs

Question 0

Treatment of constipation in palliative care

Answer 0

Fluids if necessary
Bisacodyl 5mg +/- co-danthramer nocte
Macrogols 2-4 sachets/12h
Glycerol suppositories

Question 1

Treatment of N&V in palliative care

Answer 1

Treat reversible causes (infection, thrush etc)
Cyclizine 50mg/8h
Domperidone 10-20mg/8h
Metoclopramide 10mg/8h
Haloperidol 0.5-1.5mg/12h
Ondansetron 4/8mg/8h
Levomepromazine 3-12.5mg/12h
Hyoscine hydrobromide 0.4-0.6/8h SC or 0.3mg subling

Question 2

Treatment of SOB in palliative care

Answer 2

Fans
Supplementary O2
Morphine (reduced resp drive)
Relaxation and benzos
Thoracocentesis +/- pleurodesis

Question 3

Mouthcare in palliative care

Answer 3

Treat thrush (fluconazole 50 mg/PO)
Ice chips/ pineapple chunks/ gum
Mouthwash 
Chlorhexidine
Saliva substitutes (biotene oralbalance)

Question 4

Use of steroids in palliative care

Answer 4

?all patients
Relieves SVC/ bronchial obstruction symptoms
Increases appetite, reduces intracranial pressure headaches, sense of satisfactory euphoria
Dexamethasone 8mg/IV or 4mg/24h PO