The Pharmacological Arsenal: Drugs in Palliative Care (2nd Edition)
In palliative medicine, the standard rules of pharmacology frequently break down. Medications are often used “off-label,” routes of administration become unconventional (e.g., continuous subcutaneous infusions), and the therapeutic window narrows as organ systems fail. Drugs in Palliative Care (2nd Edition) is a fiercely pragmatic, ultra-focused formulary designed specifically for this treacherous prescribing environment. This volume provides the exact, rapid-fire blueprints required by clinicians to safely and aggressively manage symptoms at the end of life.
Mastering Unconventional Prescribing
The core philosophy of this text is clinical utility over theoretical pharmacology. The authors aggressively detail the specific nuances of palliative prescribing. It dictates exactly how to execute complex opioid rotations (e.g., converting from high-dose transdermal fentanyl to a subcutaneous morphine pump), and provides crucial guidelines on syringe driver compatibility—detailing exactly which drugs can be mixed in a single infusion without precipitating.
Navigating Symptom-Specific Pharmacology
The book provides a masterclass in targeted symptom control. It dictates the exact pharmacological pathways for managing refractory nausea (differentiating the use of haloperidol versus cyclizine based on the underlying receptor etiology), terminal agitation, and massive respiratory secretions (the “death rattle”), relying heavily on off-label uses of established medications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a comprehensive textbook of palliative care?
No, it is strictly a *formulary*—a prescribing guide focused entirely on drugs, dosages, routes of administration, and specific palliative indications, designed to be carried in a lab coat pocket.
Who is the primary audience?
It is the absolute, mandatory prescribing manual for Palliative Care Physicians, Hospice Nurses, General Practitioners, and Clinical Pharmacists.
