[Drugs administration by subcutaneous injection within palliative care]

Abstract

Drugs delivery by subcutaneous injection is often the last resort/appeal for a doctor anxious to limit the aggressive and invasive treatments, particularly within palliative care. A review was made to list the drugs which can be administered by this route. Concerned antibiotics are teicoplanin, netilmicin and gentamicin with a risk of skin necrosis for aminoglycosids. Midazolam is useful in various indications and can be associated with morphine in case of dyspnoea. Data about subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone, clonazepam, haloperidol and levomepromazine are published; it is the same for fentanyl, nefopam, ondansetron and metoclopramide. The subcutaneous injection of these quoted drugs is possible, but requires further studies.