Portable infusion pumps are used in palliative care to deliver a continuous subcutaneous infusion of medication over 24 hours. Mixing of medications in this manner is unlicensed but is supported by practice.
Some acute areas will use non-ambulatory pumps, for example Alaris pump. Check which device is used in your area.
Indications
A patient is unable to take medication orally due to:
- persistent nausea and/or vomiting
- dysphagia
- bowel obstruction or malabsorption
- significant tablet burden
- reduced level of consciousness such as in the last days of life.
General information
Use the current local protocols for setting up and monitoring the syringe pump you are using. The tables in this guideline contain information about preparations, dose ranges, diluents and indications for single drugs that can be given by subcutaneous infusion for symptom control in palliative and end of life care.