Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
06:59
A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
[Drugs administration by subcutaneous injection within palliative care]
Charlotte Tanguy-Goarin1, Virginie Cogulet
1Pôle Pharmacie, Hôpital Morvan, CHRU Brest, 2 avenue Foch, 29609 Brest Cedex, France. charlotte.goarin@chu-brest.fr
Therapie
|December 24, 2010
Summary
Subcutaneous drug delivery offers a less invasive option, especially in palliative care. This review lists antibiotics, sedatives, and other medications suitable for subcutaneous injection, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Subcutaneous injection is a valuable route for drug delivery, particularly when minimizing invasive treatments in palliative care.
- This route is often considered when oral or intravenous administration is not feasible or desirable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and identify medications that can be safely and effectively administered via subcutaneous injection.
- To provide a comprehensive list of drugs for clinicians managing patients in palliative care settings.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted to identify studies and data on subcutaneous drug administration.
- The review focused on various drug classes, including antibiotics, sedatives, analgesics, and antiemetics.
Main Results:
- Antibiotics like teicoplanin, netilmicin, and gentamicin can be administered subcutaneously, with aminoglycosides posing a risk of skin necrosis.
- Midazolam, dexamethasone, clonazepam, haloperidol, levomepromazine, fentanyl, nefopam, ondansetron, and metoclopramide are also identified as suitable for subcutaneous delivery.
Conclusions:
- Several drugs across different therapeutic classes can be administered via subcutaneous injection, expanding treatment options in palliative care.
- While feasible, the subcutaneous administration of these drugs warrants further investigation and clinical studies to optimize protocols and confirm safety profiles.
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