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.
Ondansetron
Route, Dosage and Frequency
ROUTE
|
DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY
|
| PO |
4-8mg b.d. to t.d.s. |
| IV |
4-8mg b.d. to t.d.s. (give for 3 days for chemotherapy-induced nausea) |
| CSCI |
8-24mg over 24h |
Other Information
Indications
Chemotherapy or radiation induced nausea, Intractable vomiting in advanced cancer (when used with other anti-emetics), Pruritus from spinal opioids, Diarrhoea from carcinoid syndrome.
Side-Effects
Constipation, Headache, Dizziness.
Remarks
5HT3 receptor antagonist. Use separate syringe driver or infusion pump (incompatible with other drugs). Limit to 8mg/day in moderate to severe liver impairment. No dosage reduction for renal impairment. Caution in patients with risk factors for prolonged QTc or cardiac arrthymias.
Reference
- Watson M. Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press; 2009.