> Oxygen can be trialled for symptomatic benefit in hypoxic patients who are breathless (O2 saturation ≤92%). |
> Systemic opioids (<30 mg oral morphine equivalent/day) are a safe and effective treatment for breathlessness in advanced COPD. |
> Benzodiazepines could be considered as a second- or third-line agent in treating refractory breathlessness. |
> Antipsychotic medications should be reserved for treating severe and distressing delirium. |
> Somatostatin analogues have limited evidence to support their efficacy in treating vomiting in malignant bowel obstruction. |
> Naloxegol, methylnaltrexone and oxycodone/naloxone are all effective second-line treatments for opioid-induced constipation. |
> There is insufficient evidence to support the benefit of antimuscarinic drugs in treating respiratory tract secretions at the end of life. When these drugs are used, physicians should monitor for efficacy and adverse effects, and combine this with a communication strategy. |