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BNSSG Adult Joint Formulary

16.3 Respiratory symptoms- Palliative Care

Last edited: 22-05-2025

First line drugs Second line drugs Specialist drugs Secondary care drugs

 

Shortness of breath

Oral morphine solution (TLS Green)

  • To relieve sensation of breathlessness
  • As per the Palliative Care Formulary (PCF), evidence supports use for those breathless at rest, but not those only breathless on exertion.

Lorazepam (TLS Green)

  • For anxiety associated with shortness of breath

Oxygen (TLS Green)

  • Trial if SaO<90%

Oxycodone liquid (TLS Blue)

  • If morphine intolerant

Fentanyl subcutaneous injection (TLS Blue)

  • Consider if eGFR<30mL/min/1.73 m2, seek specialist palliative care advice

Dexamethasone (TLS Blue)

  • For Superior Vena Cava Obstruction (SVCO) or major airway obstruction

Antibiotics (TLS Blue)

  • See chapter 5

Furosemide (TLS Blue)

  • For pulmonary oedema

Salbutamol (TLS Blue)

  • Nebuliser for bronchospasm

 

Cough

Simple linctus (TLS Green)

Codeine linctus (TLS Green)

Carbocisteine (TLS Blue)

  • For cough associated with thick sputum

Oral morphine solution (TLS Green)

  • In low dose

Salbutamol (TLS Blue)

  • Inhaled or nebulised

Prednisolone (oral) (TLS Blue)

Simeticone (TLS Blue)

  • For cough due to gastric reflux

Metoclopramide (TLS Blue)

  • For cough due to gastric reflux

 

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