The Syringe Driver: Continuous Subcutaneous Infusions in Palliative Care

The syringe driver is the most useful method of drug administration for delivering a continuous subcutaneous infusion when other routes are inappropriate. Palliative care patients often have multiple symptoms that require the use of numerous drugs; as the patient's condition deteriorates the oral route is often no longer suitable and the syringe driver is then used to ensure continued symptom control. This route increases patient comfort as it avoids the need for repeated injections, plasma concentration levels of drugs remain constant and it maintains the patient's sense of independence. This highly practical book provides a wealth of information on the use of the syringe driver and on drug compatibilities for doctors, nurses and pharmacists who work in palliative care. The reader is presented with an overview of syringe drivers and continuous subcutaneous infusions followed by referenced information about drugs that are likely to be encountered, compatibility tables and information about symptom control in the last few days of life, concentrating specifically on the use of the syringe driver. This book will prove to be an essential source of information for doctors, nurses and pharmacists who work in palliative medicine.