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BNSSG Adult Joint Formulary
16.2 Gastrointestinal symptoms- Palliative Care
Last edited: 11-01-2024
First line drugs |
Second line drugs |
Specialist drugs |
Secondary care drugs |
Nausea and Vomiting
If patients are unable to tolerate oral medication, the subcutaneous route is the preferred route for administration of anti-emetic medication
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Metoclopramide
- MHRA Metoclopramide: risk of neurological adverse effects
- For nausea/vomiting associated with starting opioid medication, delayed gastric emptying
Cyclizine tablets / subcutaneous injection
- For nausea/vomiting associated with intracranial disease
Alternatives: (TLS Blue)
Haloperidol tablets / liquid / capsules / subcutaneous injection
- For nausea/vomiting associated with metabolic derangement or drugs
Domperidone tablets / suppositories
Levomepromazine 6mg tablets (unlicensed)/25mg subcutaneous injection
Specific indications: (TLS Blue)
Ondansetron tablets / injection
- For nausea and vomiting associated with therapy, chemotherapy or post abdominal surgery
Hyoscine hydrobromide transdermal patch
- For treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with vestibular disorder; and as a result of medication side effects
Bowel Obstruction
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Hyoscine hydrobromide
Dexamethasone
Specific indication: (TLS Blue)
Octreotide
- For high volume vomiting/fistula on advice of palliative care team
- Awaiting Prescribing Guidance to be written
Hiccups
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Metoclopramide
Haloperidol
Alternatives: (TLS Blue)
Domperidone
Antacids
Omeprazole
Diazepam
Baclofen
Chlorpromazine
Dexamethasone
Constipation
Oral preparations
Recommended Stimulants: (TLS Green)
Senna
Bisacodyl
Recommended Softeners: (TLS Green)
Docusate sodium
Recommended Osmotic: (TLS Green)
Macrogols
Recommended Combined preparations: (TLS Green)
Co-danthramer
Co-danthrusate
- Co-danthramer and co-danthrusate are only initiated for constipation in terminally ill patients of all ages
- Please note that the liquid preparation is very high cost
- Not to be used in patients who are faecally incontinent as superficial sloughing of discoloured skin may occur
Methylnaltrexone
- Used as rescue therapy where the oral/rectal route is inappropriate, on the advice of Palliative Care
Specific indication: (TLS Blue)
Macrogols
- Faecal impaction
- Dose = 8 sachets
Rectal preparations
Recommended Suppositories: (TLS Green)
Glycerine
Bisacodyl
Recommended Enemas: (TLS Green)
Sodium citrate (Micralax®)
Alternatives: (TLS Blue)
If Micralax® not successful:
Softener
Arachis oil
- Not to be used if patient has a peanut allergy
Stimulant
Phosphate
Diarrhoea
Be sure that cause is not due to infection or excess laxative use before using anti-diarrheals
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Loperamide
Alternative: (TLS Blue)
Codeine phosphate
Specific indications:
Creon® (TLS Blue)
- For steatorrhoea due to pancreatic insufficiency
Octreotide (TLS Red)
- For faecal fistulae and carcinoid syndrome
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