Syringe Drivers

This guideline applies to adults aged 18 years and over.

 

Management optimisation:

Useful resources to aid syringe driver prescribing:

• Anticipatory prescribing guide (eGFR >30)
  
  
• Renal anticipatory prescribing guide (eGFR <30)
  
  
• Syringe driver prescription chart
  
  
• Drug compatibility and opioid dose calculator - Palliative Care Guidelines Plus
  
  
• Rapid reference guide to subcutaneous prescribing in the last days of life (cornwallft.nhs.uk)
  
  
• Skin irritation – if the patient is suffering from skin irritation their either increase the volume of diluent or add 1mg dexamethasone into the driver.

 

Referral:

To arrange a syringe driver at home, refer to Community Nursing either via STRATA or locally agreed referral routes.

 

Supporting Information:

For professionals:

Palliative Care Guidelines Plus – Index

For patients:

Marie Curie – Syringe Drivers

 

Page Review Information:

Review date	07 November 2024
Next review date	07 November 2026
GP speciality lead	Dr Madeleine Attridge
Contributors	Dr Melanie Huddart (Palliative Care Consultant) Angela Carey (Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist) Keziah Lagor (ICB End of Life Lead)