Alternative routes of administration in palliative medicine: availability of sublingual administration

ABSTRACT

<b>Purpose</b> Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of sublingual drug administration in palliative care patients lacking the ability to swallow as well as other drug administration routes. <b>Methods</b> Buprenorphine, 0.1∼0.2mg/dose (n=15) and fentanyl, 0.05∼0.2mg/dose (n=26) were administered sublingually for cancer pain, and midazolam, 0.1mg/kg (n=16) for insomnia respectively. <b>Results</b> The three drugs were all rapidly absorbed by the oral cavity and showed efficacy in about 90% of patients. No adverse events were observed other than drowsiness, nausea and over production of sputum in patients suffering from dysphagia. <b>Conclusion</b> Sublingual administration is a viable alternative for maintaining the quality of life of patients not accessible through conventional administration routes in the palliative setting. Palliat Care Res 2010; 5(1) 201-205