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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)
Oxycodone liquid (TLS Blue)
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)
Furosemide (TLS Blue)
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)
Salbutamol (TLS Blue)
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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