This section gives an overview of the commonly used drugs (excluding opioids) to manage symptoms in patients with terminal illnesses. The information includes basic dosage information as well as indications for use and potential side effects. Please note that non-opioid drugs commonly used in palliative care in Singapore are shown here but the list is NOT exhaustive and neither are the side effects nor indications. Doses are for adults only. Please check with pharmacy colleagues for dose adjustments (if any) in renal or liver impairment. Unless otherwise indicated, use water for injection for dilution in continuous subcutaneous infusions.
*For information on opioids, please search and refer to the drugs with their given context.
Ketorolac
Route, Dosage and Frequency
ROUTE
|
DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY
|
| PO |
10mg q.d.s. (max dose 40mg/day) |
| SC |
15-30mg t.d.s. |
| CSCI |
60-90mg over 24h |
Other Information
Indications
Inflammatory pain, Bone pain.
Side-Effects
Gastritis, Gastrointestinal bleed, Renal impairment, Bronchospasm.
Remarks
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Caution is required in the elderly. Consider proton pump inhibitor prophylaxis in patients. SC bolus injections can be painful; CSCI is preferred. Use separate syringe driver or infusion pump (incompatible with other drugs). Use 0.9% saline for dilution.
Reference
- Watson M. Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press; 2009.