Anticipatory medications used in palliative care

Scottish Palliative Care guidelines: Anticipatory Prescribing

PAIN or DYSPNOEA SC 2.5mg-5mg Morphine 1-hourly OR SC 2.5mg Diamorphine (or Oxycodone)
RESTLESSNESS and AGITATION SC 2.5-5mg Midazolam 2-hourly
RESPIRATORY TRACT SECRETIONS SC 0.2-0.4mg Glycopyrronium 4-hourly
SC 20mg Hyoscine Butylbromide 4-hourly
NAUSEA and VOMITING SC 6.25mg Levomepromazine 4-hourly
SC 1mg-2.5mg Haloperidol 8-hourly
SC 10mg-20mg Metoclopramide 8-hourly
SC 50mg Cyclizine 8-hourly
Marked ANXIETY or SEIZURE SC 5-10mg Midazolam (as needed)
Rectal 5-10mg Diazepam

Additional notes

Monitor for anticholinergic drug side effects:
delirium, agitation, sedation, dry mouth, constipation or urinary retention.

Dr Rajesh Varmaanticipatory medications