From the Guidelines
Oral medications for comfort measures should include opioids like morphine or oxycodone for shortness of breath and pain, paracetamol for pain, metoclopramide or ondansetron for nausea/vomiting, benzodiazepines like lorazepam or clonazepam for anxiety, and midazolam for preparing for palliative sedation, as these medications have been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with advanced illnesses 1. When considering oral medications for comfort measures, it's essential to prioritize the patient's symptoms and quality of life.
- For shortness of breath and pain, opioids such as morphine or oxycodone can be used, as they have been shown to be effective in managing these symptoms 1.
- For pain, paracetamol can be used as a first-line treatment, with opioids being considered for moderate to severe pain 1.
- For nausea and vomiting, metoclopramide or ondansetron can be used, as they have been shown to be effective in managing these symptoms 1.
- For anxiety, benzodiazepines like lorazepam or clonazepam can be used, as they have been shown to be effective in managing anxiety and agitation 1.
- For preparing for palliative sedation, midazolam can be used, as it has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with advanced illnesses 1. It's crucial to note that all medications should be used in conjunction with other routes of administration, such as intravenous or subcutaneous, where possible, to ensure optimal symptom management 1.
- The goal of using these medications is to improve the patient's quality of life, reduce symptoms, and provide comfort, rather than to cure the underlying illness.
- By prioritizing the patient's symptoms and quality of life, healthcare providers can provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients with advanced illnesses 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The provided drug labels do not directly mention "comfort measures" as an indication for the medications.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Oral Medications for Comfort Measures
The following oral medications can be used for comfort measures:
- Acetaminophen: recommended as a first-line treatment option for mild to moderate pain 2, 3
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): recommended as a first-line treatment option for mild to moderate pain, with ibuprofen being the safest option 2, 3
- Oxycodone/acetaminophen: may be used for severe or refractory acute pain, but with caution due to the risk of medication-related adverse events 4
- Tramadol: may be used for severe or refractory acute pain, but with caution due to the risk of side effects 2, 3
- Hydrocodone and morphine: may be used for more severe acute pain, but with caution due to the risk of side effects and addiction 3
Considerations for Oral Medication Use
When using oral medications for comfort measures, the following considerations should be taken into account:
- Patient-specific factors: such as medical history, current medications, and potential allergies 2
- Dosing and administration: to minimize the risk of adverse events and ensure effective pain management 2, 3
- Monitoring and follow-up: to assess the patient's response to treatment and adjust the medication regimen as needed 2, 3
- Education and counseling: to inform patients about the safe use of oral medications and potential side effects 5, 2