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Nonopioid medication for the relief of refractory breathlessness
1aDepartment of Palliative Care, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust bDivision of Cancer and Stem cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Purpose Of Review:
To provide an overview of recent evidence relating to nonopioid medication for the treatment of refractory breathlessness.
Recent Findings:
A search of publications since 2013 found systematic reviews on phenothiazines and nebulized medications, together with one study examining the use of benzodiazepines and another nebulized furosemide. However, all provided limited data and concluded that further clinical trials are required.
Summary:
Based on this review, there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of nonopioid medication in the treatment of refractory breathlessness.
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