syringe drivers (unsuitable drugs)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Skin reactions occur and so avoid the following:

  • Chlorpromazine
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Diazepam

To a lesser degree, local irritation is caused by:

  • Cyclizine
  • Methotrimiprazine

Use Water for Injection to dilute drugs used in low-volume syringe driver solutions as Saline increases the likelihood of precipitation.

Reference:

  1. West Midlands Palliative Care Physicians (2003). Palliative care - guidelines for the use of drugs in symptoms control.
  2. BNF