Hospice drugs are essential in providing relief to patients with terminal illnesses who are admitted to hospice facilities. These patients are often highly sensitive, which is why hospices carefully select medications that ensure the best possible care and comfort. 

Hospice medications include a wide range of drug types. However, this blog focuses on the top 10 commonly used hospice drugs and explains their specific purposes in patient care. 

Some hospice medications can pose potential hazards due to their chemical properties. As a result, it is crucial for hospices to understand proper storage and handling procedures to maintain a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, proper handling ensures compliance with safety regulations. 

Keep reading to explore further details about these medications and their safe use. 

 

What are Hospice Drugs? 

 

Hospice drugs are medications used to provide comfort and manage symptoms for patients with serious, terminal illnesses. These drugs help improve the quality of life during the final stages. For example, morphine is commonly used to relieve severe pain and ease breathing, while lorazepam (Ativan) helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Haloperidol (Haldol) is often used to control agitation or nausea, and acetaminophen is a go-to for mild pain and fever relief. Other drugs like dexamethasone are used to reduce inflammation, and metoclopramide (Reglan) helps with nausea and digestion issues. These medications are carefully selected based on each patient’s specific needs to ensure comfort and dignity. 

 

Lists of Hospice Drugs: Top 10 

 

  1. Morphine

Purpose: Pain and breathlessness relief 

Hazardous: Yes, morphine is classified as a hazardous drug. Proper handling and disposal are required to prevent accidental exposure or misuse. 

Morphine is a cornerstone of hospice care for managing severe pain and shortness of breath. It helps reduce the physical suffering associated with advanced illnesses, providing significant comfort to patients. 

 

  1. Lorazepam (Ativan)

Purpose: Anxiety and agitation management 

Hazardous: Yes, lorazepam is considered hazardous. Use gloves when handling tablets to avoid dermal exposure. 

Lorazepam is widely used to address anxiety, restlessness, and agitation in hospice patients. It also helps with muscle spasms and can improve sleep quality. 

 

  1. Haloperidol (Haldol)

Purpose: Nausea, vomiting, and delirium control 

Hazardous: Yes, haloperidol is a hazardous drug. Safe handling measures should be implemented to avoid exposure. 

Haloperidol is effective in treating nausea, vomiting, and episodes of delirium, often experienced by patients nearing the end of life. It also helps in calming severe agitation. 

 

  1. Dexamethasone

Purpose: Inflammation reduction and appetite stimulation 

Hazardous: Yes, dexamethasone is classified as hazardous. Avoid direct contact during preparation. 

Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to manage inflammation, reduce swelling, and enhance appetite in patients who experience weight loss and cachexia. 

 

  1. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

Purpose: Mild to moderate pain and fever control 

Hazardous: No, acetaminophen is not considered hazardous. Handle as per routine precautions. 

Acetaminophen is a commonly used over-the-counter medication to manage mild pain and reduce fever. It’s particularly useful for patients with less severe symptoms. 

 

  1. Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Purpose: This medication is used to diagnose and manage symptoms of delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) in diabetic patients. It helps provide relief from nausea and vomiting associated with the condition. 

 

Hazardous: No, metoclopramide is not classified as hazardous. Standard handling is sufficient. 

Metoclopramide helps improve digestive motility and addresses nausea and vomiting caused by medications or underlying conditions, enhancing patient comfort. 

 

  1. Fentanyl

Purpose: Severe pain management 

Hazardous: Yes, fentanyl is a hazardous drug. Always use gloves and follow strict disposal protocols to avoid accidental exposure. 

Fentanyl is a potent opioid often administered via patches for continuous pain relief in patients who cannot tolerate oral medications or need long-term pain control. 

 

  1. Senna and Docusate Sodium (Combination)

Purpose: Constipation relief 

Hazardous: No, these drugs are not classified as hazardous. Handle according to standard practices. 

These medications are commonly prescribed together to prevent and manage constipation caused by opioid use, ensuring patient comfort and reducing complications. 

 

9. Scopolamine 

Purpose: Management of secretions and nausea 

Hazardous: Yes, scopolamine is considered hazardous. Use caution when handling patches or tablets. 

Scopolamine helps reduce excessive respiratory secretions, which can cause discomfort. It also aids in controlling motion sickness and nausea. 

 

10. Midazolam 

Purpose: It provides relief from anxiety before surgery.  

Hazardous: Yes, midazolam is a hazardous drug. Use appropriate protective equipment to avoid exposure. 

Midazolam is used for its sedative properties to manage seizures, severe anxiety, and agitation, ensuring patients remain calm and comfortable. 

 

Safe Storage Practices for Medicines to Avoid Chemical Safety Hazards 

 

Designated Storage Areas: 

  • Use clearly labeled, well-ventilated storage areas specifically for medicines. 
  • Keep hazardous medicines separate from non-hazardous ones to prevent cross-contamination. 

 

Temperature Control: 

  • Store medications according to the recommended temperature range specified on their labels (e.g., refrigeration or room temperature). 
  • Use temperature monitoring devices to ensure stability. 

 

Secure Access: 

  • Restrict access to storage areas to authorized personnel only. 
  • Use lockable cabinets or rooms for controlled substances and hazardous medications. 

 

Original Packaging: 

  • Keep medicines in their original packaging to preserve labeling and safety instructions. 
  • Avoid transferring medications into unmarked containers. 

 

Avoid Exposure to Light and Moisture: 

  • Store medicines away from direct sunlight and damp conditions to maintain their efficacy. 
  • Use opaque and moisture-resistant containers where necessary. 

 

Proper Labeling: 

  • Ensure all containers are clearly labeled with the drug name, hazard classifications, and expiration dates. 
  • Include Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals where applicable. 

 

Regular Inventory Checks: 

  • Conduct routine inventory checks to identify expired, unused, or damaged medicines for safe disposal. 
  • Track quantities to prevent overstocking or understocking. 

 

Use of SDS Management Software: 

  • Select a reliable SDS management software to effectively handle safety and compliance requirements. 
  •  Maintain and organize all necessary SDSs, ensuring they are easily accessible when needed. 

         

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 

  • Provide appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, masks) for handling hazardous drugs. 
  • Train employees on proper usage and disposal of PPE. 

 

Safe Disposal: 

  • Dispose of expired or unused medicines according to local regulations. 
  • Use designated hazardous waste bins for drugs classified as hazardous. 

 

 

Conclusion:

In hospice care, the use of the right medications is essential for keeping patients comfortable and managing their symptoms. The top 10 drugs discussed here are commonly used to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and ease discomfort. By carefully choosing and managing these medications, healthcare providers can ensure that patients experience a peaceful and dignified end-of-life care.