What are some Common Medications Used in Palliative Care?

Achieving comfort is at the heart of our mission, and medication plays a vital role in managing the symptoms associated with serious illness. Under the guidance of a physician, our nursing team administers medications specifically tailored to each patient’s needs.

We use several common classes of medications to provide relief:

• Opioids: Such as morphine and hydromorphone, which are used for pain relief. These are monitored closely by our physicians for side effects like sedation or constipation.
• Anxiolytics: Such as lorazepam and midazolam, which help reduce anxiety and agitation. Doses are carefully adjusted based on the patient’s age and kidney function.
• Antiemetics: Such as ondansetron and metoclopramide, which are used to control nausea and vomiting.
• Anticholinergics: Such as glycopyrrolate and atropine, which help reduce respiratory secretions when necessary.

Every medication we prescribe is intended solely to relieve suffering and improve quality of life. Because symptoms can evolve, our physicians routinely review and adjust dosages to maintain comfort without over-sedation.

Please note that eligibility for hospice must be determined by a physician, and because care is individualized, outcomes may vary. We recommend consulting a healthcare professional for all clinical decisions, and we are available to help you navigate Medicare or insurance documentation requirements.

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