What Medications Are Given During Hospice Care

What Medications Are Given During Hospice Care


Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Frank Davis

A list of essential medicines for palliative care was developed by the IAHPC which identified 21 of the most common symptoms of palliative care and 33 medications to treat them. A panel of palliative care experts prepared this list, based on two factors: efficacy and safety. The concept of essential medicines, and more specifically, the List of Essential Medicines for Palliative Care was created to assist patients in need of treatment who have uncontrollable symptoms in various parts of the world.

Based on clinical experience, expert consensus, and evidence, the IAHPC developed this list of essential medicines for palliative care. Patients and caregivers from around the world use this list to identify medicines to treat various symptoms. This may include cancer or heart disease, for example. These lists were initially intended for use by hospice providers and patients. However, they are widely used by other healthcare providers, especially where there is limited access to other resources.

This list is only intended as a guideline. Patients and caregivers should discuss other treatment options with their healthcare provider. Typically, when considering medications for palliative care, the dose, frequency, and duration of treatment are amended based upon clinical response and tolerance.

The IAHPC list of essential medicines for palliative care

MedicationsIAHPC indication for palliative care
AmitriptylineDepression, Neuropathic pain
BisacodylConstipation
CarbamazepineNeuropathic pain
Citalopram (or any other equivalent generic selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) except paroxetine and fluvoxamine)
Depression
CodeineDiarrhea, Pain—mild to moderate
DexamethasoneAnorexia, Nausea, Neuropathic pain, Vomiting
DiazepamAnxiety
DiclofenacPain—mild to moderate
DiphenhydramineNausea, Vomiting
Fentanyl (transdermal patch)Pain—moderate to severe
GabapentinNeuropathic pain
HaloperidolDelirium, Nausea, Vomiting, Terminal restlessness
Hyoscine butylbromideNausea, Terminal respiratory congestion, Visceral pain, Vomiting
IbuprofenPain—mild to moderate
LevomepromazineDelirium, Terminal restlessness
LoperamideDiarrhea
LorazepamAnxiety, Insomnia
Megestrol acetateAnorexia
Methadone (immediate release)Pain—moderate to severe
MetoclopramideNausea, Vomiting
MidazolamAnxiety, Terminal restlessness
Mirtazapine (or any other generic dual action NassA
or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI))
Depression
MorphineDyspnea, Pain—moderate to severe
OctreotideDiarrhea, Vomiting
Oral rehydration saltsDiarrhea
OxycodonePain—moderate to severe
Paracetamol (acetaminophen)Pain—mild to moderate
Prednisolone (as an alternate to dexamethasone)Anorexia
SennaConstipation
TramadolPain—mild to moderate
TrazodoneInsomnia
Zolpidem (still patented)Insomnia

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